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
Scale
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
