Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together the hearty, bold flavors of chili and the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese—all in one irresistible dish! Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party recipe, this dish has it all: tender pasta, savory beef, beans, veggies, and a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. It bakes up bubbly, golden, and impossible to resist. If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying, Chili Mac checks every box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in making your Chili Mac taste fantastic—the smoky spices, the rich cheese sauce, the tender pasta, and all the savory flavors come together for pure comfort in a pan. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Ground beef (80% lean): Adds hearty, savory richness that forms the base of the chili portion.
Onion (diced): Builds a sweet, aromatic backbone that flavors every bite.
Bell pepper (diced): Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness—don’t skip it!
Garlic (diced): Boosts the savory aroma and makes the chili extra flavorful.
Chili seasoning mix: The shortcut to deep, spiced chili flavor—use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for a thick, flavorful chili base.
Tomato sauce: Adds body and tang to the sauce, blending everything together.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Provide juicy bites and a perfect lift of acidity.
Chicken broth: Loosens the chili just enough—swap in beef broth for deeper flavor.
Kidney beans (drained): Bring classic chili texture and extra protein.
Macaroni (uncooked): Traditional elbow pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors!
Butter: Makes the cheese sauce silky smooth and rich—non-negotiable.
Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce and keeps it from turning grainy.
Heavy cream: Takes the mac and cheese to the next level of creaminess.
Milk: Adds the right amount of liquid without being too heavy.
Mustard powder: A chef’s secret to enhancing cheese flavor (no one will know it’s there!).
Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes in your cheese sauce.
Salt and pepper: Don’t underestimate these—season every step for best results.
Hot sauce: Adds a little heat and tang without making it spicy—just enough to wake up your taste buds.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melty, rich, and sharp—buy a block and shred it yourself for best results.
Fresh parsley (to garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the very end.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Start With the Chili

Begin by cooking and crumbling the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. Add the diced onions next, and keep cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent—about five minutes. For best flavor, drain the excess grease so your Chili Mac doesn’t feel heavy or oily.

Step 2: Build Those Flavors

Toss in your diced bell pepper and garlic, stirring and sautéing until those veggies soften—about four minutes. Once they’re fragrant and giving off that fresh, homey aroma, mix in the seasoning pack and tomato paste. Give it another minute so all those spices bloom and mingle.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili Mix

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and chicken broth. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover the pot partially, let it bubble gently, and let all the flavors develop—simmering longer means more depth and richness. Stir in the kidney beans during the last 10 minutes or so so they stay whole and tender.

Step 4: Make the Mac and Cheese Magic

Now, preheat your oven to 400°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water’s heating, you’ll get started on that dreamy cheese sauce. Once the water’s boiling, cook your macaroni until just al dente—don’t overdo it, since the noodles will finish cooking in the oven. Drain when ready.

Step 5: Craft the Cheese Sauce

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams, then whisk in the flour and cook for two minutes, stirring constantly. Add heavy cream in small splashes, then milk, always stirring so the sauce stays smooth. Once it’s bubbling, reduce heat, and season with hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar until you have a glossy, melty sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained macaroni to your cheese sauce and stir to combine. If you love it extra creamy, hold back a bit of the pasta so the sauce really coats every piece. Every spoonful should be rich and gooey!

Step 7: Bring Chili and Mac Together

Pour your hearty chili into the mac and cheese—you can add all or part of it, depending on your preferred chili-to-mac ratio. Stir gently with a spatula until everything’s evenly combined, and your Chili Mac is looking invitingly marbled with those red and golden streaks.

Step 8: The Final Bake

Finish it off by topping your Chili Mac with a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Slide the whole dish, uncovered, into your oven for five minutes or so—just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley not only brightens up your Chili Mac visually, but also cuts through some of the richness. For extra punch, try a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or even a handful of thinly sliced jalapeños on top. You can get creative, but even just the parsley alone will make it picture-perfect!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also plays nicely with crisp green salads, simple garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. A tangy coleslaw or a crunchy cucumber salad can add a refreshing contrast and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chili Mac in mini cast iron skillets at a party for an adorable (and Instagram-worthy) twist, or pile it into bowls and let everyone add their own toppings. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers and bake them for a fun next-day lunch. However you serve it, it’s always guaranteed to get rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Because it’s so sturdy, it actually tastes even more flavorful the next day as all the spices and cheese mingle!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop individual portions or the whole batch into freezer containers, label, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick comfort meal, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your Chili Mac in the microwave for a couple of minutes per serving, or warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until hot. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk or broth before heating to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Classic elbow macaroni is traditional in Chili Mac, but shells, penne, or rotini all work beautifully—you want a shape that will hold the cheese and chili in every bite.

Is there a vegetarian version?

You can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll have a vegetarian Chili Mac that’s just as satisfying.

Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time for a party?

For sure! Assemble everything except the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, top with cheese and bake until bubbly and hot.

How can I make it spicier?

For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper with the chili seasoning. Diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes stirred in will also do the trick.

Do I have to bake it at the end?

If you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, you can skip the final bake—just combine the chili with the mac and cheese on the stove, top with cheese, and cover until it melts. The bake just gives a lovely golden finish!

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac is truly a one-pan wonder that brings friends and families together with every flavorful, cheesy bite. Whether you’re making it for a comforting weeknight meal or a big gathering, don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon have a new favorite comfort food tradition!

Chili Mac Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese. This Chili Mac recipe is a family favorite that is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add seasonings, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Simmer with kidney beans.
Make the Mac and Cheese – Prepare macaroni. Make cheese sauce with butter, flour, cream, milk, and seasonings. Combine with shredded cheese and macaroni.
Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Mix chili with macaroni.
Bake – Top with cheese and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning and hot sauce.
For a homemade chili seasoning mix, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 590
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Chili Mac, Chili Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe