Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

There is something truly comforting and downright delicious about a bowl of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, hearty flavors of chili. This recipe hits all the right notes with tender elbow macaroni wrapped in a spicy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, making it the ultimate cozy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. If you love dishes that bring warmth and big flavor in every bite, this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, contributing texture, or adding vibrant color to the dish. Let’s dive into these essentials so you know exactly what makes this recipe so irresistible.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto every bit of chili and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté onions and garlic for that fragrant base.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A small amount that packs a powerful punch of aroma.
• 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that defines the dish’s robust chili character.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness to the chili blend.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little kick of heat.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and juiciness to the chili.
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, fiber, and a lovely texture contrast.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, making everything irresistible.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Gives a fresh herbal note as a vibrant garnish.

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender but still with a slight chew. This texture is key because it prevents the pasta from becoming overly mushy once combined with the chili and cheese later. Once done, drain it well and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and toss in the diced onion. Cook the onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful aromatic base that many skip but makes all the difference.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add ground beef to the skillet with your aromatics. Brown the beef fully, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Doing so ensures even cooking and keeps the texture nice and crumbly. Be sure to drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness, so the final dish has just the right richness.

Step 4: Season the Chili

Bring on the spices! Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Let these spices toast with the beef for another 1 to 2 minutes, unlocking their full flavor and aroma — this is where your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe really starts to come alive.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and the rinsed kidney beans. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients nicely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully, turning the chili base rich, hearty, and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chili

Now it’s pasta time! Add your cooked macaroni directly into the skillet with the chili. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the chili sauce, making sure each bite will have that wonderful combination of cheesy, meaty, and slightly spicy goodness.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt perfectly into a luscious, gooey layer. This part is the crowning glory that turns your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe into a cheesy masterpiece.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving. It’s optional, but really adds a beautiful herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

While the melted cheddar cheese is the star of the show, adding extras like fresh cilantro or even thinly sliced green onions can elevate the dish instantly. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips brings some delightful creaminess and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the chili flavors.

Side Dishes

This Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but if you want to add some balance, simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or even cornbread make fantastic companions. The freshness of a salad contrasts the warmth and richness perfectly, while cornbread adds a touch of Southern charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy a fun twist? Serve this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in small cast iron skillets or in hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You could also layer it in a casserole dish and bake it till golden on top for an irresistible crusty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers. While the texture of the macaroni may soften slightly, the flavors will remain delicious. When frozen promptly, the dish can keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the melted cheese and chili sauce. Adding a splash of milk or water can help restore creaminess if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce during storage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives to beef in this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and still juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for extra beans, diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or meat substitutes to keep it hearty and satisfying without meat.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully in this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. You can also experiment with a sharp white cheddar or even a blend of cheeses to deepen the flavor.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prepare the chili base and pasta ahead of time, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving. This helps save time while keeping the cheese perfectly gooey and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and utterly satisfying about making this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a rich and cheesy comfort meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, ease, and warmth. Once you try it, I have no doubt it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So go ahead and dive in—you deserve a comforting bowl of cheesy chili goodness tonight!

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 64 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful chili made from ground beef, spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chili

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Topping and Garnish

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the chili leaner.
5. Season the chili: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and develop flavor.
6. Add tomatoes and beans: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the rinsed kidney beans. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Combine macaroni and chili: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the chili mixture.
8. Top with cheese and melt: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt for a few minutes, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top if desired, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a deeper flavor or mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American