The Best Homemade Chili Mac Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chili mac recipe that promises to satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a one-pot wonder that screams deliciousness.

Pasta and ground beef create a dynamic duo of flavor and texture.

Spices dance across your palate with each perfectly balanced bite.

Melted cheese adds a creamy dimension that makes this dish irresistible.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together on busy weeknights.

You can devour this soul-warming favorite in less than thirty minutes from start to finish.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this crowd-pleasing classic.

What Makes Chili Mac Bold and Satisfying

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Hearty base for the chili mac, lean options work best for healthier dish.

• Kidney Beans: Adds protein and fiber, canned beans are convenient.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides fresh tomato chunks and extra moisture.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly, elbow macaroni recommended.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor, shredded for easy melting.

• Onion: Builds foundational flavor, yellow or white onions work well.
• Garlic: Provides deep, savory undertone.
• Chili Seasoning: Delivers signature chili spice blend.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown meat and prevent sticking.
• Water: Helps cook pasta and adjust sauce consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall flavor.

• Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy contrast.
• Extra Cheese: Provides additional cheesy garnish.

Chili Mac Quick One-Pot Guide

Step 1: Sizzle The Protein

Brown ground beef or turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Drain off any excess fat once the meat is fully cooked.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili seasoning
• Water

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce heat.

Let it bubble softly for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add macaroni directly into the sauce.

Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.

Cook until pasta becomes tender and sauce thickens.

Add extra water if needed to ensure perfect pasta texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out the hot chili mac into bowls.

Optional: Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle extra cheese for added indulgence.

Easy Tips for Making Chili Mac Perfect

• Select ground turkey or extra-lean beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Adjust chili seasoning by adding more or less to match your personal heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Stir macaroni frequently during cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent noodles from clumping together.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase fiber and vitamin content without changing the recipe's core taste.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating with a splash of water to maintain creamy consistency.

Chili Mac Stored Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chili mac fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the container with a tight lid or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from absorbing excess liquid.
• Warm the chili mac in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess and prevent sticking.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the dish's texture.

Favorite Sides for Chili Mac

• Elevate Comfort with Perfect Pairings
• Craft a Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to cut through the rich, hearty chili mac, adding freshness and balancing the dish's robust flavors.
• Select a Robust Red Wine: Pour a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the spicy chili seasoning and meaty texture, enhancing the overall dining experience with its bold character.
• Serve Cool Cornbread Sides: Bake jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins as a perfect accompaniment, providing a slightly sweet and spicy contrast that echoes the chili mac's warm, comforting profile.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the dish's bold flavors, its malty undertones and crisp finish creating a delightful flavor harmony with the cheesy, meaty pasta.

Chili Mac Cheesy Twists

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or vegetarian meat substitute. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all seasoning packets are certified gluten-free. Swap regular pasta with chickpea or rice-based noodles for a nutritious alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase chili seasoning and add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use lean ground turkey and reduce bean quantity to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining protein levels.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili seasoning you use. If you prefer mild, choose a less spicy seasoning blend or reduce the amount.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Chili Mac That’s Easy, Meaty, and Pure Comfort

• Quickly Cook a Hearty Meal: Perfect one-pot recipe that combines classic chili and mac for busy families in under 30 minutes.
• Boost Family Comfort: Crowd-pleasing dish packed with protein, beans, and cheesy goodness that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing easy swaps like ground turkey, different beans, or additional toppings to match personal tastes.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner: Affordable ingredients create a filling meal that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy chili mac delivers a hearty comfort fusion of zesty chili and creamy pasta that satisfies comfort food cravings. Melted cheese, ground beef, and bold spices create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade chili spices)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground meat in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, crumbling and browning thoroughly while eliminating excess grease.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Introduce kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, and water into the mixture, allowing flavors to meld by simmering gently.
4. Nestle macaroni directly into the saucy base, ensuring each pasta piece becomes coated with the rich, spicy liquid.
5. Cover and let the pasta cook, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking, adjusting liquid as needed to achieve perfect pasta tenderness.
6. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese until completely dissolved, creating a velvety, cohesive texture throughout the dish.
7. Fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
8. Ladle into serving bowls, optionally embellishing with a generous swirl of sour cream and additional cheese sprinkled on top for luxurious presentation.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium tomato sauce and kidney beans, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of dark beer or a teaspoon of smoked paprika during the simmering stage for a more complex taste profile.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with chickpea or rice pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg