If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table, this Chili Mac Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine perfectly seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melty cheddar cheese all mingling together in a single pot—it’s the kind of dish that brings back childhood memories and creates new ones with every bite. Whether it’s a busy evening or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this easy Chili Mac Recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity, making it a go-to for cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chili Mac Recipe comes from a handful of simple pantry staples. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, whether it’s savory depth, creamy richness, or a pop of color—together, they create a dish that’s irresistibly delicious.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Ground beef: The hearty base for the dish, providing protein and flavor.
Yellow onion: Diced for a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with irresistible savory notes.
Chili powder: The star seasoning that gives chili mac its signature warmth.
Ground cumin: Lends a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with beef.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Gives just the right hint of heat.
Diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and tang, plus a pop of vibrant red.
Kidney beans: For heartiness and that classic chili texture—rinse them well!
Beef broth: Deepens the savory flavor and helps cook the pasta.
Tomato sauce: Ties everything together with a rich, velvety base.
Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the bold flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness with every stir.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the finished dish.

How to Make Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Browning the meat is key for building deep flavor, so let it get a nice sear. Drain off any excess fat if needed—this keeps your Chili Mac Recipe perfectly balanced and not too greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the onion softening and releasing its natural sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. This is where the irresistible aroma begins!

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Letting these spices cook for a minute before adding the liquids is a chef’s trick for unlocking their full flavor potential. You’ll see the colors brighten and smell the spices waking up.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Liquids

Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is when your Chili Mac Recipe really starts to come together, with all those classic chili flavors mingling in one pot.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The macaroni will soak up all that rich, savory sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns creamy and luscious. This final step transforms your Chili Mac Recipe into a cheesy, dreamy comfort dish that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your Chili Mac Recipe. You can also top each serving with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a few sliced green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal. Let everyone customize their bowls for maximum enjoyment!

Side Dishes

While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread makes for an unforgettable meal. Cornbread or garlic bread are also fantastic options to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chili Mac Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch, or ladle it into a big family-style bowl for a cozy, communal vibe. For gatherings, offer a toppings bar with jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or hot sauce so guests can build their perfect bowl. This versatile dish even makes a great filling for stuffed bell peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making each reheat even more delicious.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Chili Mac Recipe, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. It will stay tasty for up to two months—just note that the pasta may soften a bit when thawed, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop the desired portion into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed, then warm it gently over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. Give it a good stir and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese if you like!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you want a lighter version of Chili Mac Recipe. Just use the same amount and follow the same steps for delicious results.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as written is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you bloom the spices. Adjust to your taste!

Can I make this Chili Mac Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the ground beef for a plant-based substitute or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It’s just as hearty and satisfying without the meat.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Be sure to simmer gently and keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Stir occasionally and test for doneness a couple of minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time. Serving right away also helps keep the pasta at its best texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This Chili Mac Recipe doubles easily—just use a large enough pot to accommodate everything and extend the simmering time slightly if needed. It’s a real crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about gathering around the table for a steaming pot of Chili Mac Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home, no matter the season. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) this classic comfort dish as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and comforting Chili Mac recipe combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and flavorful spices into a delicious one-pot meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, topped with melty cheddar cheese and optional fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Canned Goods and Liquids

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 1 minute to bloom and release the spices’ flavors.
Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Macaroni: Once simmering, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends into a creamy texture throughout the chili mac.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the chili mac hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the spices.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American