This hearty Chili Mac combines the best of two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. Rich, savory chili meets creamy, cheesy macaroni for a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. This one-dish wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy One-Dish Meal: This Chili Mac recipe brings together two beloved comfort foods in a single casserole dish, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans while delivering double the satisfaction.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and creamy cheese sauce creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime drama-free.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, this Chili Mac can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready, or made in large batches for easy weeknight reheating.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Using pantry staples and affordable proteins, this recipe feeds a family of six for under $15, making it an economical choice for tight budgets.
Customizable Heat Level: Whether you prefer mild comfort food or crave a spicy kick, this Chili Mac recipe easily adapts to your family’s heat preferences with simple seasoning adjustments.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chili
- 1 lbs. ground beef, 80% lean
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix (see notes for homemade seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup chicken broth (can substitute 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 and pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
For Baking
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
How to Make Chili Mac:
This Chili Mac recipe comes together in three simple stages: preparing the chili, making the cheese sauce, and assembling for baking. The entire process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Chili Flavor Add the chili seasoning mix and tomato paste to the beef mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it bubble gently for 10 minutes. Stir in the drained kidney beans and remove from heat.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta While the chili simmers, cook the macaroni according to package directions until just shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Chili Mac In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Spoon the prepared chili over the top of the mac and cheese, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar cheese over the entire surface.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. Let the Chili Mac rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Helpful Tips:
Choose the Right Ground Beef: Using 80% lean ground beef provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture for this Chili Mac. The fat content keeps the meat moist while not making the dish greasy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the final dish.
Make Your Own Seasoning: For a homemade chili seasoning mix, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, ½ teaspoon each of oregano and garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Layer for Best Results: Spreading the chili evenly over the mac and cheese ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of both components.
Cheese Selection Matters: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor for this Chili Mac, but you can experiment with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving much cleaner.
Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 generous portions
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Course: Main Dish
Notes:
Spice Level Adjustments: This Chili Mac recipe provides a mild to medium heat level. For spicier results, add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or increase the hot sauce to 1 teaspoon. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the hot sauce entirely.
Bean Substitutions: While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even white cannellini beans based on your family’s preferences.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the entire Chili Mac dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Freezer-Friendly Option: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the assembled (unbaked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or freeze in individual portions for quick family meals.
Homemade Chili Seasoning: Combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a salt-free seasoning blend.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this Chili Mac? A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, penne, rotini, or shells work equally well. Choose a pasta shape that will hold the cheese sauce and complement the chili.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy? A: Remove the saucepan from heat before adding the cheese, and stir it in gradually. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded also helps maintain smoothness.
Q: Can I make this Chili Mac in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then combine all ingredients except the pasta in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cooked pasta and final cheese topping in the last 30 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chili Mac? A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or warm larger portions in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy milk and cream, and replace the cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
Q: How can I add more vegetables to this Chili Mac? A: Diced zucchini, corn kernels, or mushrooms can be added with the onions and peppers. Just ensure they’re cooked until tender before proceeding with the recipe.
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chili Mac in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing Instructions: This Chili Mac freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion into family-sized or individual containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Guidelines: For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture. Oven reheating works well for larger portions – cover with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through.
Make-Ahead Assembly: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Conclusion:
This Chili Mac recipe represents the perfect marriage of two comfort food favorites, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The rich, seasoned chili provides hearty satisfaction while the creamy mac and cheese adds indulgent comfort, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a Tuesday night, bringing a crowd-pleasing dish to a potluck, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food experience, this Chili Mac delivers on all fronts. The recipe’s flexibility allows for easy customization while the make-ahead friendly nature makes it perfect for meal planning.
The beauty of this Chili Mac lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its ability to bring people together around the dinner table. It’s the kind of recipe that creates lasting memories – from the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes to the satisfied faces around your table as everyone goes back for seconds.
Save this recipe, share it with friends, and make it your own by adjusting the spices and add-ins to suit your family’s preferences. This Chili Mac is destined to become a regular rotation recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again, each time with the same delicious results that keep everyone coming back for more.