Name: Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Meet your new comfort food hero: this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe! Imagine everything you love about a hearty bowl of chili—savory ground beef, tender beans, and aromatic spices—all mingling with the creamy, gooey goodness of classic mac and cheese. The result? A truly satisfying one-pot meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but bold enough to impress friends at a potluck. Whether you’re craving something warming on a chilly night or simply need an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this is the dish you’ll turn to again and again.

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few pantry staples can transform into the irresistible layers of flavor and texture in this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each ingredient brings something crucial to the party, from the oomph of spices to the savory beef and creamy cheese that tie everything together.

Olive oil: Gives a smooth base for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
Ground beef: The foundation of meaty, chili flavor; feel free to swap for turkey or chicken, if desired.
Onion: Adds mellow sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic: For mouthwatering aromatic complexity; sauté it just until fragrant.
Chili powder: Brings classic chili flavor—choose your favorite blend for mild or spicy results.
Ground cumin: Lends wonderful earthy warmth that balances the tomato and cheese.
Smoked paprika: A subtle layer of smokiness that takes it up a notch.
Salt: Enhances every flavor, so don’t skimp!
Black pepper: Adds a little kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Diced tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, these create the saucy base for the macaroni.
Kidney beans: Bring extra heartiness, protein, and color.
Beef broth: Infuses depth of flavor and ensures the pasta cooks up super flavorful.
Elbow macaroni: Classic, kid-friendly, and perfectly capable of holding plenty of sauce and cheese.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy deliciousness—use sharp cheddar for extra punch.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds silky creaminess and mild flavor that complements the cheddar.
Chopped green onions or cilantro: The optional, fresh pop that makes every bowl look and taste even better.

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When it’s browned and delicious, drain off any excess fat if needed—this keeps your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe rich but never greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spices

Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 minutes, just until soft. Next, stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let everything cook another minute, coaxing out those wonderful fragrant notes before moving on.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Now comes the chili-inspired magic: add the diced tomatoes—juice included—plus the drained kidney beans and beef broth. Stir everything together well, and bring your bubbling mixture to a gentle simmer. Every component starts singing together at this point!

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Stir in your uncooked macaroni, making sure every piece is nicely coated in the saucy mixture. Cover and let it all simmer over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Remove your skillet or pot from the heat, then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until both melt completely into a velvety, creamy sauce. Let your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe sit for a couple minutes before serving—this helps it set up perfectly and thickens the cheesy magic.

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touch! A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro perks up the rich, hearty flavors and adds a pop of freshness. For extra flair, top with a swirl of sour cream or a pinch of chopped jalapeños for color and a tiny bit of zip.

Side Dishes

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is definitely satisfying enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it with a simple green salad, crunchy garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The lightness of the sides is the perfect complement to this delicious, hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight dinners, just serve straight from the pot and let everyone dig in. But if you’re feeling a little playful, try dishing your mac into individual oven-safe ramekins, topping with a little extra cheese, and broiling for a toasty finish. Leftovers also make a fun filling for stuffed peppers, or you can spoon it over baked potatoes for a twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your first (or second) bowl, let any leftover Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream. Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with the date for easy reference. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or milk to revive that creamy texture. You can also microwave individual servings, pausing to stir every 30–45 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, rotini, or penne will work beautifully too—just keep an eye on the cook time, as different shapes might need a minute more or less.

Is the Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe very spicy?

As written, this recipe is flavorful but mild, making it family-friendly. If you like things hotter, amp up the chili powder, add a pinch of cayenne, or toss in some chopped jalapeños to taste.

What protein can I use instead of ground beef?

Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Even a plant-based ground “meat” can work if you’re aiming for a vegetarian twist—just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I make this chili mac ahead of time?

Definitely! Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is fantastic as a make-ahead meal. Prepare it completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep things creamy.

How can I make this dish even cheesier?

If you’re craving even more cheesy comfort, up the amount of cheddar or Monterey Jack, or try adding a handful of creamy mozzarella. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving is also a great way to boost the cheesy factor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a big, bubbling pot of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe—it’s cozy, cheesy, and built for sharing. This is the kind of meal that turns any evening into a celebration of comfort food. Give it a try, and let it become a classic at your table too!

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

This hearty Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines the best of two comfort food classics in one delicious dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this one-pot meal is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chili: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Simmer.
Cook the Mac and Cheese: Add uncooked macaroni to the chili. Cover and cook until pasta is tender. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Serve: Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired.