The Ultimate Cozy Chili Mac Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Spicy weeknight dinners find their perfect match in this hearty chili mac recipe that combines comfort and zest.

Pasta shells cuddle rich, smoky meat sauce with surprising tenderness.

Pantry staples dance together, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Lean ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese meld into a creamy, robust combination.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this one-pot wonder in under thirty minutes.

Nutritious and filling, this recipe promises to become a household favorite that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Come hungry and leave happy with this irresistible meal that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Chili Mac Is a Hearty Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Chili Mac combines two classic favorites – chili and mac and cheese – creating a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With just one pot and straightforward ingredients, this recipe makes cooking a breeze for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from ground beef, beans, and veggies, this dish offers a balanced meal that delivers both flavor and nutritional value in a single serving.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily customizable with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños, Chili Mac adapts to different taste preferences and can transform into a fun family meal.

Ingredients for Chili Mac

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili mac.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a deep, savory foundation for the dish.

• Beef Broth, Diced Tomatoes: Create a flavorful, moisture-rich base that helps cook the pasta and enhance overall taste.

• Kidney Beans, Macaroni: Add protein, texture, and classic chili mac character to the meal.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Provide warm, complex spice profile and balanced seasoning.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp finish and melts beautifully over the hot dish.

How to Prepare Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pot and cook until it turns a rich brown color. Dice onions, bell peppers, and mince garlic. Add these colorful vegetables to the beef and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor-Packed Base

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Macaroni
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili mac simmer. Allow the pasta to cook and absorb all the delicious spices, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The macaroni should become tender and the sauce will thicken beautifully.

Step 3: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Ladle the steaming chili mac into serving bowls. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. The heat will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible topping that takes this dish from great to absolutely amazing.

Pro Tips for Chili Mac

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Prepare a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals.
• Top with crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for added crunch and texture.

Variations to Try with Chili Mac

• Vegetarian Veggie Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Add extra bell peppers and zucchini for more vegetable richness.
• Spicy Southwest Mac: Incorporate jalapeños, use hot chili powder, and add a dash of cayenne. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Creamy Cheesy Mac: Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving. Increase cheese topping with a blend of monterey jack and sharp cheddar.
• One-Pot Chicken Chili Mac: Substitute ground beef with diced chicken breast. Use white beans instead of kidney beans for a lighter version.

Pairing Ideas for Chili Mac

• Pair with Cool Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to complement the spicy, bold flavors of chili mac. The beer's crisp bitterness cuts through the richness of ground beef and cheese.
• Enhance with Fresh Coleslaw: Create a tangy, crunchy side that balances the hearty, warm chili mac. The cool, creamy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the dish's robust spices.
• Match with Zesty Cornbread: Bake a slightly sweet cornbread with jalapeños to echo the chili's warmth. Its crumbly texture and subtle heat perfectly round out the meal's southwestern profile.
• Serve with Bright Citrus Salad: Toss together a light salad with orange segments, mixed greens, and a lime vinaigrette.

Storage Guidelines for Chili Mac

• Store leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled Chili Mac to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays fresh for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly hot and steaming.

FAQs on Chili Mac

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this chili mac recipe and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including some red pepper flakes if you want more kick.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans like black beans or pinto beans. The dish will still be hearty and delicious.

• How nutritious is chili mac?

This one-pot meal offers a balanced combination of protein from beef, carbohydrates from macaroni, and nutrients from vegetables like bell peppers and onions, making it a relatively healthy comfort food option.

Chili Mac Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Chili Mac delivers comfort in one skillet, blending spicy southwestern flavors with classic pasta goodness. Cheesy, meaty, and quick to prepare, this dish satisfies hungry diners with its bold, zesty profile and simple home-style charm you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Pasta:

• 2 cups (256 grams) elbow macaroni

Topping:

• Shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
2. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Add macaroni and classic chili spices, including chili powder and cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing pasta to cook and flavors to meld together.
6. Once macaroni is tender and sauce has thickened, remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve immediately in warm bowls, generously sprinkled with sharp cheddar cheese that melts deliciously over the hot chili mac.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein high and maintains hearty texture.
• Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce overall calories and create a leaner dish.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat and complex flavor profile for spice lovers.
• Use whole wheat macaroni to boost nutritional value and increase fiber content without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg