Quick & Hearty Easy Chili Mac Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a quick and satisfying easy chili mac can rescue dinnertime from bland monotony.

Comfort food enthusiasts know this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients mingle in one pot, creating a meal that promises instant smiles.

Pasta and ground beef dance together with zesty seasonings, promising a crowd-pleasing experience.

Classic comfort meets modern convenience in this streamlined recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something spectacular.

Dive into this recipe and watch dinner transform from ordinary to extraordinary.

Easy Chili Mac That’s Cheesy And Satisfying

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whips up a satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Combines two classic dishes (chili and mac and cheese) into one crowd-pleasing casserole that appeals to both kids and adults with its hearty, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Meal Magic: Can be partially prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked later, making it an excellent option for meal planning and stress-free dinner preparation.

Chili Mac Pasta Composition

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat foundation for the chili, choose 80% lean for balanced flavor and moisture.
• Kidney Beans: Adds protein and texture, classic chili bean that provides extra nutrition.

• Onion: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor, fresh is best.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color to the chili mixture.
• Garlic: Brings intense flavor and aromatic quality to the dish.

• Chili Seasoning Mix: Delivers classic chili spice blend, ready-made for convenience.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich base for chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and fresh tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth, Beef Broth: Provides additional liquid and deepens overall taste.
• Macaroni: Pasta base for the mac and cheese component.
• Butter, Flour: Creates roux for cheese sauce thickening.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provides creamy texture for cheese sauce.
• Mustard Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Hot Sauce: Adds optional heat and complexity.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides rich, sharp cheese flavor.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for color and brightness.

Chili Mac Quick Instructions

Step 1: Craft Hearty Chili Base

Brown ground beef in a large skillet, creating a delicious foundation.

• Diced onion
• Bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle in chili seasoning and stir until vegetables soften.

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Broth
• Kidney beans

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, developing rich flavors for 15-20 minutes until wonderfully thickened.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Boil macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a silky roux.

• Heavy cream
• Milk

• Mustard powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety masterpiece.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Cheesy Delight

Crank the oven to 350°F.

Marry the macaroni with cheese sauce, then lovingly fold in the prepared chili.

Transfer this mouthwatering mixture to a baking dish.

Crown the top with additional shredded cheddar.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden brown.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Chili Mac – Easy Tricks

• Select high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for richer, more robust taste and juicier texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for enhanced depth and complexity.
• Slightly undercook macaroni during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring perfectly tender noodles.
• Prepare chili and cheese sauce separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Replace ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that work equally well in the recipe.

Chili Mac Keeps Creamy Texture If Stored Correctly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack chili mac in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top for a crispy finish.

Serve With Easy Chili Mac

• Spice Up with Red Wine Pairing: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich, hearty flavors of chili mac, cutting through the creamy cheese and spicy chili notes.
• Cool Down with Crisp Beer: Select a refreshing craft beer such as amber ale or pale lager to balance the dish's intense spiciness and provide a crisp, clean contrast to the heavy, comforting textures.
• Brighten with Citrus Mocktail: Craft a zesty non-alcoholic drink using fresh lemon, lime, sparkling water, and a touch of honey to cleanse the palate and offer a light, tangy counterpoint to the robust chili mac.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the dish's richness, providing a balanced dining experience.

5 Ingredient Chili Tweaks

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty, meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the cheese sauce and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap kidney beans for black beans, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream and additional cheese to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your chili seasoning and hot sauce. You can easily control spiciness by using mild seasoning or reducing hot sauce amount. For less heat, use a mild chili blend or skip the hot sauce completely.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni works best, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just ensure the pasta has a similar cooking time and can hold the cheese sauce well.

• Do I need to use ground beef?

No, you have options. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative, or you can use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. The seasoning and cooking method remain the same.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half. For a lighter version, use milk, but the sauce might be less creamy and slightly thinner.

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty chili mac, blending zesty spices with creamy pasta and ground beef. Gooey cheese and quick preparation make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans
• 1 12 oz packet chili seasoning mix

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)

Mac and Cheese Base:

• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

Cheese:

• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a robust chili base by browning ground beef in a spacious skillet. Introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Simultaneously prepare the creamy cheese component by cooking macaroni according to package guidelines. In a separate cooking vessel, craft a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until combined. Gradually introduce heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Enhance the sauce with mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for the final assembly. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated. Merge the cheese-coated pasta with the prepared chili, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted blanket. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning or adding extra hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed alternative.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition.
• Prep ahead by making chili and cheese sauce separately, then combining and baking when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg