There is something irresistibly comforting about a good, hearty one-pot wonder, and this Chili Mac Recipe is exactly that—a flavorful fusion of creamy mac and cheese with spicy, savory chili that satisfies every craving. It combines the cheesy goodness of classic macaroni with the bold excitement of chili beans and Rotel tomatoes to make a crowd-pleaser that flies off the plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or want a cozy dish to warm you up, this Chili Mac Recipe covers all the bases with simplicity, richness, and a bit of a kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and zesty flavors. From the macaroni noodles that provide the comforting base to the chili seasoning that adds an exciting depth, every element is essential.
- Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese (24 oz): The star pasta and cheesy sauce mix gives this dish its velvety texture and irresistible cheese flavor.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds protein and a meaty richness to make this meal truly satisfying.
- Yellow Onion, finely diced (1): Offers a subtle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the savory notes perfectly.
- Chili Beans (1 can, 16 oz, do not drain): Brings hearty beans and chili spices to intensify the flavor and bulk of the dish.
- Mild Rotel Tomatoes (1 can, 10 oz, do not drain): Adds a tangy, mildly spicy tomato base with flavorful bursts of diced vegetables.
- Mild Chili Seasoning Packet (1): This quick seasoning blend is the shortcut to authentic chili flavor, elevating the whole dish effortlessly.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing the macaroni noodles according to the package directions for the deluxe mac & cheese. The pasta is the perfect soft, cheesy canvas that will soak up all the spicy, savory ingredients added later. Remember to save the cheese sauce packet—you’ll use it in the final step to achieve that creamy finish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef with the diced yellow onion over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart and cook until it’s no longer pink. This step develops the meaty base flavors that make this recipe hearty and irresistible. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Next, toss the cooked pasta, chili beans (along with their flavorful sauce), Rotel tomatoes, and the chili seasoning packet right into the skillet with your browned beef and onions. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and lets the spices infuse the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Sauce
Here comes the magic touch. Pour in the cheese sauce from the foil packet and stir thoroughly to coat every piece with creamy, cheesy goodness. This step transforms the dish from a simple chili pasta to a decadently rich and comforting Chili Mac Recipe that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Chili Mac Recipe from delicious to dazzling, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream for a cool contrast, some shredded cheddar cheese for extra melty cheesiness, and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, slightly sharp bite. These garnishes boost both flavor and texture, making every spoonful a true delight.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, fresh green salads or steamed veggies are perfect partners. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side adds that extra bit of comfort and makes the dinner feel more substantial without complicating prep.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chili Mac in individual ramekins and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños for added crunch and spice. Alternatively, use it as a filling for baked stuffed peppers or as a topping for nachos at your next game night. The versatility of this Chili Mac Recipe means you can enjoy it in unique ways anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your second helping just as satisfying as the first. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
If you want to keep Chili Mac Recipe on hand for busy days, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, warm your Chili Mac gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute heat. You can add a splash of milk or water if it feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese noodles, you can substitute elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the perfect texture.
Is it okay to use spicy Rotel instead of mild?
Definitely! If you love a bit more heat, spicy Rotel tomatoes will add a nice kick. Just keep in mind that the overall dish will be spicier, so adjust any added seasoning or garnishes like sour cream to balance the heat if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You might want to boost the seasoning slightly to make up for the missing meat flavor, but the chili seasoning packet will do most of the heavy lifting.
How long does it take to cook this Chili Mac Recipe?
This entire recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent option for weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Adding bell peppers, corn, or even spinach can increase the nutrition and freshness of the dish. Just sauté any extra veggies with the onions in step 2 to soften them and enhance their flavor before combining everything.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac Recipe has become an absolute favorite of mine for good reason—it’s delicious, easy to make, and truly hits the spot every time. Whether you’re a mac and cheese lover, a chili fanatic, or just someone in search of the perfect comfort meal, this recipe has something for everyone. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing it as much as I do!
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines the creamy comfort of deluxe mac and cheese with a spicy chili twist. Ground beef, chili beans, and flavorful Rotel tomatoes blend perfectly with the cheesy pasta for a quick, filling meal that can be ready in just 25 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish is simple to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Mac & Cheese
- 1 box (24 oz) Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
Chili Components
- 1 (16 oz) can chili beans (do not drain)
- 1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions on the deluxe mac & cheese box. After cooking, drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it, and set it aside. Keep the foil packet containing the cheese sauce for later use.
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the finely diced yellow onion. Stir frequently and crumble the beef as it cooks until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pan to reduce fat content.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, canned chili beans (with the liquid), mild Rotel tomatoes (with liquid), and the mild chili seasoning packet directly into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir everything together well and allow the mixture to cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour in the cheese sauce from the foil packet that came with the macaroni. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chili mac hot immediately. Optionally, top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and grease in the dish.
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help the sauce stick better.
- For more spice, swap mild Rotel for a hot version or add extra chili seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
