If you're looking for a hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious meal that brings the warmth of chili together with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, you've come to the right place. This easy chili mac recipe is the perfect blend of two classic dishes, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal step by step.

What is Chili Mac?
Chili Mac is a comforting dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that brings together ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and seasonings, with tender macaroni noodles bathed in a luscious cheese sauce. The result is a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish that can feed a crowd, chili mac is an excellent choice.
Ingredients List for Chili Mac
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean): This forms the base of the chili, providing a hearty and flavorful foundation.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the chili.
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Introduces a mild, sweet flavor and a touch of color to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, diced: Garlic infuses the chili with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: This convenient mix offers a blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor. You can also use homemade seasoning for a personal touch.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, rich tomato base.
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor to the chili.
- ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth): Adds depth and helps to create a saucy consistency.
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained: A classic addition to chili, these beans add heartiness and texture.
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked: The foundation of the mac and cheese; opt for elbow macaroni for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Combines with butter to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Provides a creamy, indulgent base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses the sauce with a mild onion flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon each salt/pepper: Balances the flavors in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Acts as a flavor enhancer without adding noticeable heat.
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides a rich, cheesy flavor. Shredding it yourself ensures a smoother melt.
For Baking
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Topping the dish with more cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this chili mac recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Ground Beef Substitutes: If you're looking to cut down on red meat, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use a meatless ground beef substitute or simply add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Beans: While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Or, omit the beans altogether if you prefer.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the chili. If you’re serving kids or those with a mild palate, you can skip the hot sauce altogether.
- Pasta Variations: Elbow macaroni is standard, but you can experiment with other shapes like shells, rotini, or penne.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Chili Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chili:
- Start by cooking the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into crumbles with a spatula. Cook for about 2 minutes before adding the diced onion. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, which takes about 5 minutes. Drain the excess grease to avoid a greasy chili.
- Next, add the diced bell pepper and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 4 minutes, until the pepper softens. Stir in the chili seasoning mix and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and let the chili cook gently. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer. Add the drained kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. Make the Mac and Cheese:
- While the chili simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Begin boiling a pot of salted water for the macaroni. As the water heats, start preparing the cheese sauce.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, followed by the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Once the seasonings are well incorporated, reduce the heat to low and slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and add the macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.
3. Combine and Bake:
- Pour the prepared chili into the pot with the macaroni and cheese. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together until well combined. The ratio of chili to mac and cheese is up to you—you can use all the chili for a more balanced dish or save some for another meal.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making chili mac:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Macaroni will continue to cook in the oven, so make sure to boil it just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
- Not Draining the Grease: Failing to drain the grease from the beef can result in a greasy chili, which will affect the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, shred your cheese from a block.
- Skipping the Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer is crucial for developing depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your chili mac can make it even more appealing. Here are some tips to ensure your dish looks as good as it tastes:
How to Serve Chili Mac
- Family-Style: Serve chili mac in the baking dish, straight from the oven. Place it in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. This casual, hearty dish is perfect for family meals.
- Individual Servings: For a more polished presentation, serve the chili mac in individual ramekins or bowls. This not only looks impressive but also keeps the portions controlled.
Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with options like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and crumbled tortilla chips. This allows everyone to customize their servings.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color. For a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on top.
- Side Dishes: Serve chili mac with a side of cornbread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Chili Mac Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: Chili mac can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Freezing: This dish also freezes well. Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make chili mac without baking it?
Yes, you can skip the baking step if you prefer. Simply combine the chili and mac and cheese, then serve it straight from the pot.
2. What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend are great alternatives. You can also mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili. You can also use pepper jack cheese in the mac and cheese.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a meatless ground beef substitute or simply add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini, corn, and mushrooms.
5. What should I serve with chili mac?
Chili mac pairs well with cornbread, garlic bread, or a green salad. For a truly indulgent meal, serve it with a side of fries or onion rings.
Conclusion
This easy chili mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the best of chili and mac and cheese in one delicious dish. With its hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and satisfying textures, it's sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is guaranteed to please. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love!
PrintEasy Chili Mac Recipe
Chili Mac is a delicious blend of hearty chili with ground beef, beans, and rich tomato flavors, mixed with creamy mac and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines comfort food classics for a filling, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Chili:
- 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
- Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon each salt/pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- For Baking:
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chili:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Make Mac and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then combine with the prepared chili.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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