There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful Chili Mac Recipe that brings together the best of two classic dishes: chili and macaroni and cheese. This recipe perfectly balances the rich, spicy goodness of chili with creamy, cheesy pasta, creating an inviting meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something delicious and filling, this Chili Mac Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Chili Mac Recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures. From ground beef that adds meaty richness to bright bell peppers for a subtle crunch, this list ensures every bite bursts with taste and color.
- 1 lb. ground beef 80% lean: Provides a juicy and hearty foundation for the chili’s robust flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Brings a slight crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, diced: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances the chili base.
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: Infuses the chili with authentic, bold spices (homemade option available).
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy chili texture.
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds chunky tomato bursts and extra juiciness.
- ½ cup chicken broth (can substitute beef broth): Helps develop a flavorful, simmered chili base.
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained: Contributes a creamy texture and hearty protein.
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta that combines beautifully with the chili and cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for making the creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a perfect, silky consistency.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the heaviness of cream for a perfect sauce texture.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Enhances the cheese sauce with a subtle tangy kick.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the overall savory flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper: Season to taste and enhance all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Adds an exciting gentle heat that livens up the dish.
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts flawlessly into the mac and cheese and as a topping for gooey perfection.
- Fresh parsley to garnish: Adds a burst of fresh color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili
Begin by browning and crumbling the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef starts to cook, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir together until the vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked through. Then add the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Stir everything well, then add the drained kidney beans. Let this chili base simmer gently so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the chili simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside, ready to be combined with your rich cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to remove that raw flour taste. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season it with mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce for layers of flavor. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and perfectly creamy.
Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to coat every tender noodle with cheesy goodness. This creamy base is what makes the Chili Mac Recipe so irresistibly comforting.
Step 5: Mix Chili with Mac and Cheese
Now carefully fold the simmered chili mixture into the cheesy macaroni, combining everything gently so the textures remain distinct yet harmonious. This combination brings the best of both worlds into every forkful.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the combined chili mac mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and brightness.
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley makes a simple yet delightful garnish, adding a touch of green and herbal freshness to balance the richness. If you want extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños can also add creaminess or spice.
Side Dishes
This Chili Mac Recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to brighten the plate. Soft garlic bread or tortilla chips are fantastic options to scoop up every tasty scrap.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Chili Mac in individual ramekins topped with a cheesy crust or crushed tortilla chips for a fun textural twist. You can also transform leftovers into chili mac-stuffed bell peppers for a colorful, impressive presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This meal holds its flavors well and reheats beautifully for a quick comfort fix later.
Freezing
You can freeze Chili Mac for up to 2 months by storing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps maintain the texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Chili Mac gently in the oven or microwave. Cover with foil if baking to prevent drying out, and add a splash of milk if the dish seems thickened after refrigeration. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and revive that creamy, cheesy lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Chili Mac Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option and still absorbs all the wonderful chili flavors beautifully. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with beef.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this Chili Mac Recipe?
Yes, skip the ground beef and double up on beans or add meat substitutes like textured vegetable protein or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free twist that still packs plenty of flavor and texture.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can make the chili base ahead and store it separately from the macaroni and cheese. When ready, combine and bake for a fresh-out-of-the-oven meal with less prep time.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and provides a nice tangy flavor that complements the chili spices. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra creaminess or spice.
How spicy is the Chili Mac Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the chili seasoning and a touch of hot sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or including fresh chili peppers if you love a kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac Recipe is a stellar comfort food classic that brings warmth, richness, and plenty of cheesy smiles to your table. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress hungry friends and family. Give it a try and let this cozy dish become your new cherished favorite!
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines the robust flavors of a spicy chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and kidney beans are simmered with a chili seasoning blend to create a flavorful base. Tender macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade chili seasoning blend)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup chicken broth (can substitute beef broth)
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (plus 1 ½ cups more for topping)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Chili: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Add the drained kidney beans and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Macaroni: While the chili simmers, cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Mix Chili and Macaroni: Gently fold the prepared chili into the macaroni and cheese mixture, combining it thoroughly but carefully to maintain texture.
- Bake the Chili Mac: Transfer the combined chili and macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For homemade chili seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon oregano, and salt to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use beef broth instead of chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
