If you're on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, then this Easy Chili Mac Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need to feed a crowd, this recipe blends the best of both worlds into one satisfying meal. Stick around to discover how to make this simple yet irresistible dish, and be sure to read through the entire article for tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is Chili Mac?
Chili Mac is a delicious mashup of two classic comfort foods: chili and macaroni and cheese. By combining the bold, spicy flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy textures of mac and cheese, you get a dish that’s both rich in flavor and fulfilling. Originating in the American Midwest, Chili Mac is a staple in many households, offering a convenient way to turn leftovers into a brand-new meal or simply whip up a quick and hearty dish from scratch. Whether you're a chili lover, a mac and cheese aficionado, or both, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients List for Chili
To make the chili component of this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef, 80% lean: The perfect balance of fat for flavor without being overly greasy.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Provides a slight crunch and freshness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a robust, aromatic quality.
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: You can use store-bought or make your own for more control over the flavors. (See notes for a homemade seasoning blend.)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the chili.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Adds a rich tomato base to the chili.
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides texture and additional tomato flavor.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps to thin out the chili and adds a layer of flavor. (Beef broth can be substituted for a heartier taste.)
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained: Adds protein and texture to the chili.
Ingredients List for Mac and Cheese
For the creamy mac and cheese portion of this dish, you'll need:
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked: The pasta base that will be paired with the chili.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The start of the roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Combined with butter to form a roux for thickening the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the cream and helps to achieve the right sauce consistency.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a bit of savory depth to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon each salt/pepper: Basic seasonings to taste.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a slight kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The primary cheese for the sauce, giving it that classic mac and cheese flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitution ideas:
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version of the chili, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat altogether and add more beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and vegetables (such as zucchini or corn) for a vegetarian chili mac.
- Cheese varieties: Swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses to alter the flavor profile.
- Spice level: Increase or decrease the amount of chili seasoning, hot sauce, or add fresh jalapeños to adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the mac and cheese portion if you're avoiding gluten.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process to bring this Easy Chili Mac Recipe to life.

- Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and chili seasoning mix, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Add Kidney Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and let the chili simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the chili simmers, melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Add the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to fully coat the pasta.
- Mix Chili and Macaroni: Carefully fold the chili into the mac and cheese mixture, combining them thoroughly.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the chili mac to a large baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake the chili mac for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Cook Chili Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Chili Mac is straightforward, but here are some detailed steps to ensure the best results:
- Preparation: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the vegetables, shred the cheese, and measure out your spices. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- Browning the Meat: Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding the vegetables. Browning the meat well will develop a deeper flavor in your chili.
- Layering Flavors: When adding the tomato paste and chili seasoning, cook them briefly with the beef and vegetables. This allows the flavors to develop fully before adding the liquids.
- Simmering: Let the chili mixture simmer to deepen the flavors and thicken slightly before combining with the macaroni and cheese.
- Making the Roux: When making the roux for the cheese sauce, cook the flour and butter together for at least one minute to avoid a raw flour taste in your sauce.
- Smooth Cheese Sauce: Stir the cheese in off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Cheese can separate if overheated, so gently melt it into the sauce for a creamy texture.
- Baking: Baking the dish not only melts the cheese on top but also allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a cohesive, comforting dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chili Mac, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy once baked.
- Underseasoning: Be sure to taste the chili and cheese sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Bland Chili Mac will disappoint.
- Grainy cheese sauce: Avoid adding cheese to a boiling sauce, as this can cause it to curdle. Always stir cheese into the sauce off the heat.
- Not letting the chili simmer: Skipping the simmering step can result in a chili that’s too thin or lacking in depth of flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving Chili Mac is almost as fun as eating it! Here are some tips to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Sides: Serve with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to complement the hearty flavors of the Chili Mac.
- Portion control: Chili Mac is rich, so consider serving it in smaller portions, especially if you're pairing it with sides.
How to Serve Chili Mac
Chili Mac is best served hot, straight from the oven. For individual servings, use a large spoon to scoop it onto plates or into bowls. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a crisp green salad for a complete meal. If you’re serving a crowd, consider placing the baking dish on a trivet in the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style.
Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac
While Chili Mac is a casual dish, you can still present it attractively:
- Cast iron skillet: Serve it directly in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey feel.
- Topped with extras: Consider topping the baked dish with sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Chili Mac Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chili and cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then combine and bake when ready to serve.
- Freezing: Chili Mac freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chili and cheese sauce in advance, store them separately, and combine them just before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze Chili Mac?
A: Absolutely! Chili Mac freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven directly from the freezer or after thawing.
Q: Can I use different types of beans?
A: Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix for a varied texture and flavor.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans and vegetables to make a hearty vegetarian Chili Mac.
Conclusion
This Easy Chili Mac Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. With its blend of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese, it's sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you need a little extra warmth in your life, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Be sure to follow the steps carefully, and don't hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Chili Mac Recipe
This Easy Chili Mac recipe features a delicious blend of chili and mac and cheese, making it a perfect comfort food. The combination of ground beef, kidney beans, and cheesy pasta topped with melted cheddar creates a satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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, 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans (drained).
- Mac and Cheese: 2 cups macaroni (uncooked), 2 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoon 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 (to garnish).
Instructions
- Cook Chili: Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans. Simmer.
- Prepare Mac and Cheese: Cook macaroni. In a separate pot, make a roux with butter and flour, then add heavy cream, milk, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the chili with mac and cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheddar cheese, and bake until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
For homemade chili seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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