Chili Mac Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort dish that ticks every box—hearty, cheesy, slightly spicy, and oh-so-satisfying—Chili Mac is about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine a soul-warming chili packed with ground beef, beans, and peppers, cuddling up with irresistibly creamy mac and cheese, then finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a nostalgic bite, this one-pan wonder brings together the best of both worlds. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chili Mac recipe is pure comfort and simplicity, made with everyday ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one brings a special flavor or texture that contributes to the magic—don’t skip a step!

• 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean): Delivers a rich, savory base with just enough fat for flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweet undertones and savory depth as it softens.
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, diced: Infuses the chili with aromatic, classic warmth.
• 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: Convenient way to add complex, cohesive spice; homemade works too!
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the sauce body.
• 8 oz. tomato sauce: Provides the liquid base and tangy tomato notes.
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juicy texture and little tomato pops throughout.
• ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth): Adds moisture and enhances the savory backbone.
• 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained: Brings creamy texture and heartiness typical of classic chili.
• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked: The beloved base for the mac—elbow pasta is traditional, but choose your favorite shape!
• 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for a glossy, luscious cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to gooey perfection.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the mac velvety and rich.
• 1 cup milk: Balances the cream for smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds brightness and subtle tang to the cheese.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness without overpowering.
• ¼ teaspoon each salt & pepper: Brings all the flavors to life.
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Gives just a hint of heat—adjust to your spice preference.
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (plus 1½ cups more for topping): Melty, sharp, and utterly essential for that cheesy pull.
• Fresh parsley, to garnish: Brightens up the whole dish both visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Veggies

Start by cooking and crumbling your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, just for a couple minutes to get things going. Next, throw in the diced onions and keep everything stirring for about five minutes, letting the onions mellow out and the beef get that delicious brown color. Once you’ve drained off any extra grease, add the bell peppers and garlic. Sauté until the peppers are soft and the garlic smell is heavenly—about four minutes. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning and stir in the tomato paste, letting the mixture cook for another minute so every spice blooms and blends in.

Step 2: Build the Chili Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, add the undrained diced tomatoes, and splash in your broth. Everything should come together in a warm, bubbling pot of goodness! Let it come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer partially covered while you prep the macaroni and cheese. The longer it simmers, the richer and thicker your chili base will become. About ten minutes before you’re ready to mix things up, stir in the kidney beans. Their creamy texture helps make the chili extra hearty and satisfying.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni and Prep the Cheese Sauce

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Get a big pot of salted water boiling and add the macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions just until al dente (so it still has a little bite—it’ll cook more in the oven!). While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Once it’s gently foaming, whisk in the flour to form a roux, and keep it moving for about two minutes. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth, then add the milk the same way.

Step 4: Finish the Mac and Cheese

Bring your creamy base to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. Mix in the hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now lower the heat and gradually add your shredded cheese, stirring until every bit is melted and the sauce looks gloriously smooth. Fold in the drained macaroni, making sure it’s coated in all that cheesy happiness. If you like it extra gooey, use a touch less pasta so the noodles can soak up the sauce as it bakes.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Now the magic happens: gently stir your simmered chili into the mac and cheese (you can add all of it, or reserve some chili to freeze later). Pour everything into your baking dish, then scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that golden, melty crust. Bake uncovered for about five minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green, and dive in!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Chili Mac! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds both color and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream on each portion really amps up the flavors. Even a swirl of hot sauce or a handful of crushed tortilla chips can add a fun twist.

Side Dishes

A hearty dish like Chili Mac doesn’t need much on the side, but a crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli is a great way to balance out the richness. Cornbread or garlic bread can turn this into a full Southern-inspired feast, perfect for soaking up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon Chili Mac into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch—great for dinner parties or game day. Or, try serving it inside roasted bell pepper “bowls” for a playful presentation that’s also edible! Leftovers make for incredible chili mac stuffed baked potatoes or rolled up in tortillas for a cheesy twist on burritos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac holds up beautifully in the refrigerator. Once cooled, transfer portions to an airtight container and keep for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper over time, making for some pretty stellar lunches or dinners the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, this dish freezes well! Place completely cooled Chili Mac in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop your Chili Mac into a microwave-safe dish and zap it in 30-second increments, stirring between, until piping hot. If you have a bit more time, cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or broth if it looks dry to keep things creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Chili Mac is just as delicious with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian-friendly.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and offers the strongest flavor, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for extra meltiness or a touch of heat. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.

Can I make Chili Mac gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend in the cheese sauce. Double-check that your chili seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.

How spicy is this recipe?

This version of Chili Mac is mildly spicy, thanks to a bit of hot sauce and the chili seasoning, but you control the heat! Turn it up with a pinch of cayenne, extra hot sauce, or spicy cheese, or keep it tame for the whole family to enjoy.

What’s the best way to meal prep with Chili Mac?

Prepare the chili and cheese sauce in advance, then combine and bake when you’re ready to eat. It’s also perfect for freezing in individual portions for future busy nights—just reheat and serve!

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely comforting about a heaping bowl of Chili Mac—warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you haven’t given this classic a try, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. Grab your favorite pot, gather your ingredients, and let this easy, hearty dish bring big smiles to your table!

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