There is something incredibly comforting about digging into a warm, cheesy, and savory bowl of chili mac. This Chili Mac Recipe is a fantastic combination of hearty ground beef chili and creamy macaroni and cheese baked to perfection. It brings together bold chili flavors with cheesy goodness and tender pasta, making it a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a satisfying meal that warms you up. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how quickly it becomes a favorite comfort food in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Chili Mac Recipe come together in a straightforward way, but each plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect texture. From the savory ground beef and aromatic veggies to the creamy cheese sauce, every component contributes to making this dish truly special.
- 1 lb. ground beef 80% lean: Provides the hearty, meaty base essential for a rich chili flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth when cooked down with the beef.
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, diced: Infuses the chili with aromatic pungency and warmth.
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: This seasoning blend defines the chili’s bold and spicy character.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Enhances the tomato richness and adds a slight tang.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Provides a smooth tomato base that balances acidity and sweetness.
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Offers texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth): Adds moisture and depth to the chili.
- 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained: Adds substance and a creamy bite to the chili.
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni: The classic pasta that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used in the cheese sauce for richness and smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Helps achieve the right balance in the sauce texture.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Gives the cheese sauce a subtle tang and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes in the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick that brightens the entire dish.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melted throughout and on top for classic cheesy indulgence.
- Fresh parsley to garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base
Begin by cooking and crumbling the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan, cooking everything together until the vegetables soften and develop that sweet aroma. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix to coat the meat and veggies evenly, then stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Finally, stir in the drained kidney beans and let everything simmer gently. This simmering melds all the flavors and thickens the chili wonderfully.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni Pasta
While the chili simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook just until al dente, typically about 7 minutes, so the pasta has a little bite and won’t get mushy after baking. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. The firm texture will perfectly balance the creamy sauce that’s coming next.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it forms a smooth roux that smells slightly nutty. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, creating that luscious cheese sauce to tie the dish together.
Step 4: Combine Chili and Macaroni
Carefully fold the chili mixture into the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, blending everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every noodle is coated and every bit of chili is mixed in evenly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that promise each bite will be delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Pour the chili mac mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly, forming a golden, irresistible crust. Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of green color and a clean, slightly peppery flavor that elevates the dish. For an extra touch, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of jalapeño if you want to amp up the spice. These simple garnishes make the meal feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this Chili Mac Recipe with a crisp green salad to balance out its richness. Garlic bread or warm cornbread are fantastic companions, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a vegetable option, roasted broccoli or a light cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to this indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the baking dish — try spooning the chili mac into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation when entertaining. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or bake it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist that feels special but remains easy to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Mac Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as satisfying the next day. Simply cover tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, which is wonderful for busy weeknights. Portion the Chili Mac into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chili Mac gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick or dry, and stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for the best results and reheat thoroughly until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make the chili seasoning mix from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade chili seasoning lets you control the flavors and spice level. Usually, it includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Mixing your own also means no preservatives or extra additives.
What type of pasta works best for Chili Mac Recipe?
Traditional elbow macaroni is a classic choice because its small, curved shape holds onto the cheesy sauce and chili perfectly. However, you can also use small shells, penne, or rotini depending on what you have on hand.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili seasoning and hot sauce. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more hot sauce or chili powder if you like it extra spicy, or leave it out for a kid-friendly version.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used to lighten up the dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit milder, so you might want to enhance the seasoning slightly to keep that bold chili taste.
How can I make the cheese sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use unsweetened almond or oat milk with a vegan cheese alternative. The texture and taste will be different but still creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any dinner table. The combination of hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese baked together is irresistibly good. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home, perfect for cozy evenings and sharing with the people you love.
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines the rich flavors of a seasoned chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with melted cheddar and fresh parsley. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting casserole melds ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and a cheesy pasta base for an irresistible meal.
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)
- 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 pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided: some for sauce, some for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Chili: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Add the drained kidney beans and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it gently simmer while preparing the macaroni.
- Make the Mac and Cheese: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In the same skillet or a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Combine the Chili & Macaroni: Gently fold the prepared chili into the macaroni and cheese mixture, combining evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the combined chili mac mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For homemade chili seasoning: mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option.
- Use beef broth instead of chicken broth for a richer flavor if desired.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.
