Name: Chili Mac Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth or water; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Green onions or chopped parsley

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If there’s one dish that says comfort food in big, bold letters, it’s this Chili Mac Recipe. Imagine the heartiness of a classic chili mingling with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni—every spoonful is loaded with flavor, warmth, and a hint of nostalgia. It’s quick enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing for gatherings, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family, dishing up leftovers for lunch, or just craving something cozy, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chili Mac Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, from bold spices to creamy cheese. Nothing fancy, just the perfect blend for a rich, hearty meal.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that provides richness and satisfying protein.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth, balancing all those savory flavors.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a zesty kick and irresistible aroma.
Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Delivers the signature chili taste and a gentle heat.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth for that classic chili flavor.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness that makes the dish unforgettable.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just enough bite to round things out.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Gives the dish richness and body.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds texture and juicy bursts of flavor.
Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Brings protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite.
Beef broth or water (2 cups): Helps cook the pasta and brings everything together with extra depth.
Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The pasta that soaks up all that saucy goodness.
Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts into every nook, making it luxuriously creamy.
Green onions or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of freshness and color to finish it off.

How to Make Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to be nicely browned with no pink left—this builds a savory foundation for your Chili Mac Recipe and adds a wonderful depth to the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. This simple step infuses the entire base with a subtle sweetness and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the beef, onion, and garlic are all coated in those bold, zesty flavors. Toasting the spices for just a minute or so helps unlock their full potential, making this Chili Mac Recipe truly stand out.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine. This mixture will look a bit soupy at first, but don’t worry—the pasta will soak up all that delicious liquid soon enough.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Add Cheese

With the heat still on low, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, turning everything creamy and luscious. This last step transforms your Chili Mac Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible.

How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference. Top each bowl with a generous handful of sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chili Mac Recipe with a crisp green salad, warm cornbread, or even some roasted veggies on the side. These add-ons balance out the rich, hearty main event and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chili mac in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon it into baked bell pepper halves for a fun twist. It also makes a wonderful filling for stuffed baked potatoes—just pile it high and top with extra cheese!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac Recipe keeps like a dream. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches extra special.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled chili mac into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm larger amounts on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick, and stir occasionally until hot and bubbly. A sprinkle of fresh cheese on top never hurts, either!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Chili Mac Recipe, small shells, rotini, or penne all work beautifully and soak up the flavors just as well.

Is this recipe spicy?

This version is mild with a gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The result is just as hearty and satisfying.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is classic in this Chili Mac Recipe, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also melt beautifully and add extra flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a large Dutch oven or stockpot and double all the ingredients. It’s perfect for potlucks, game days, or feeding a hungry group.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s comforting, easy, and guaranteed to please, give this Chili Mac Recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!

Chili Mac Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines ground beef, pasta, beans, and a rich tomato sauce with warm spices for a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh garnishes, it’s a flavorful, filling American classic that’s both easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Canned Goods

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth or water

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish

Green onions or chopped parsley

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon to create crumbled pieces.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, letting the spices toast slightly for a deeper flavor.
Combine Liquids and Beans: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs most of the liquid.
Incorporate Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, evenly distributing it throughout the chili mac.
Serve: Serve the chili mac warm, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired for added freshness and color.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter alternative.
Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the skillet with onions and garlic for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and often taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American