Chili Mac

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the bold, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. It’s a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, combining ground beef, pasta, beans, and cheese into a savory, satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicelbow macaroni diced tomatoes with chilies tomato saucetomato pastekidney or black beansbeef brothchili powdercuminpaprikaoregano saltblack pepper shredded cheddar cheese

directions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Add diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra veggies.

Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Top with sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.

storage/reheating

Store Chili Mac in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta like shells or penne works well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the beef and use vegetable broth and extra beans or lentils.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick, but you can adjust spice levels to your taste.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, it reheats very well and is even better the next day.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Can I add cheese on top instead of mixing it in?

Definitely—top with extra cheese and broil for a melty finish.

Conclusion

Chili Mac is a deliciously cozy and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. With its blend of savory chili and cheesy pasta, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for quick dinner leftovers, this one-pot wonder is a guaranteed hit.

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