If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this Chili Mac Recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. Imagine the bold, spicy flavors of classic chili mingling with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked macaroni—all in one glorious, bubbling pot. This dish hits every note: it’s hearty enough for family dinner, easy enough for a busy night, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! Once you taste just how good homemade Chili Mac Recipe can be, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the boxed stuff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chili Mac Recipe is all about simple pantry staples coming together for something truly special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding flavor, color, or just the right amount of cheesy goodness.

Olive oil: Gives a rich base flavor and helps sauté the beef and onions beautifully.
Ground beef: Adds hearty texture and savory depth—a classic choice for chili mac.
Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and irresistible aroma to start the dish off right.
Garlic: That punchy, fragrant kick you want in every bowl of comfort food.
Kidney beans: Provide a creamy, satisfying bite and classic chili vibe.
Black beans: Double the bean fun, with distinct color and earthy taste.
Diced tomatoes: Give tangy brightness and chunky texture throughout.
Tomato sauce: Makes the sauce rich, thick, and deliciously cohesive.
Beef broth: Infuses a savory, beefy depth you’ll taste in every spoonful.
Diced green chilies: Add a gentle, smoky heat—use mild or hot depending on your preference!
Chili powder: That signature Tex-Mex flavor; don’t be shy!
Ground cumin: Warm, earthy undertones that give true chili character.
Smoked paprika: Subtle smoky depth, making everything taste more complex.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that soaks up every bit of flavor and sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for the ultimate cheesy finish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those big flavors.
Chopped green onions: Fresh, peppery garnish for a pop of color and crunch.

How to Make Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Brown

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, then let them cook together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have turned translucent—about 5 to 6 minutes. This bit of browning adds so much flavor as the foundation for the Chili Mac Recipe.

Step 2: Get Aromatic

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You should immediately smell that delicious, garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s the little detail that sets a great Chili Mac Recipe apart from an average one.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, plus a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper to the pot. Give everything a big stir so those flavors start to mingle, and bring the entire mixture up to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Pasta and Simmer

Pour in your elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover your pot and let it all simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to make sure nothing sticks. The macaroni will cook right in the chili sauce, absorbing every glorious drop of flavor for the best rendition of Chili Mac Recipe ever.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish

When the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is thick and hearty, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and luscious. Top with a flurry of chopped green onions, and your Chili Mac Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe

Garnishes

Top off your Chili Mac Recipe with a generous sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream. Chopped fresh cilantro or a few jalapeño slices can take things up a notch for those who like a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside a simple green salad or a basket of warm cornbread to round out your meal. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, a big bowl of tortilla chips paired with salsa or guacamole makes a perfect, crunchy sidekick for your Chili Mac Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chili Mac Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls and top each with a bit more cheese—pop under the broiler for an irresistibly bubbly finish! Or, spoon leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful, veggie-packed take on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chili Mac Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; you’ll find the flavors just keep getting better!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Chili Mac Recipe! Let it cool, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For quick lunches, the microwave works well—just cover your bowl and stir halfway through reheating for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Mac Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still enjoy all those classic chili flavors.

Is it possible to use a different pasta shape?

Definitely—feel free to use small shells, rotini, or penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as different shapes may take a little more or less time to cook.

How can I add more heat to this recipe?

Stir in cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or toss in some diced jalapeños with the onions and beef for a spicier kick. The Chili Mac Recipe is great for adapting to your preferred heat level!

Can I lighten up this dish?

Yes! For a lighter Chili Mac Recipe, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use low-fat cheese—it’ll still be just as cozy and delicious.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

Simply double all ingredients and use a large Dutch oven or stockpot. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and leftovers reheat perfectly for easy lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of Chili Mac Recipe—you know it’s going to bring smiles to the table every single time. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy, satisfying, and downright delicious homemade chili mac can be!

Chili Mac Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful Chili Mac recipe that combines the best of chili and macaroni in one hearty dish. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, all simmered together in a rich and cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Chili: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Add Ingredients: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add Macaroni: Add macaroni, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked.
Finish: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with green onions.