If you’re searching for a one-pot comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, look no further than Chili Mac. This dish is the ultimate mash-up of robust chili and creamy mac and cheese, delivering an all-in-one meal that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Each bite is packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheddar, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something outrageously satisfying, Chili Mac checks all the boxes—and then some!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chili Mac is how a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table, can transform into the kind of meal that disappears in minutes. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single element!

Ground Beef: 80% lean gives you plenty of rich flavor without overwhelming greasiness—perfect for a classic chili base.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef, rounding out the flavor profile.
Bell Pepper: A pop of color and a sweet, slight crunch that cuts through the richness.
Garlic: Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic boosts the savory notes of the chili for true homemade taste.
Chili Seasoning Mix: Shortcut in a packet or your own blend (see notes), this brings all the classic warmth.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce, concentrating tomato flavor and adding subtle sweetness.
Tomato Sauce: Saucy, smooth, and a perfect foil to the spices for that classic chili texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Undrained, so you get all the juices—more moisture and tomato punch.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory backbone. Sub beef broth for even richer results.
Kidney Beans: Creamy, hearty, and a textbook chili addition that helps stretch the meal.
Macaroni: Classic elbow noodles are sturdy enough to soak up the cheese sauce without turning mushy.
Butter: Essential for building a roux and that classic mac and cheese flavor.
Flour: Thickens your cheese sauce so it clings to every noodle.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and silky.
Milk: Balances the cream for that perfect pourable cheese sauce.
Mustard Powder: Subtle tang that livens up the cheese sauce without overpowering it.
Onion Powder: A gentle way to boost savory depth in the mac without extra chopping.
Salt/Pepper: The foundation of great seasoning—don’t overlook these basics!
Hot Sauce: Totally flexible—add a dash, or go bold for more heat and flavor complexity.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts like a dream and brings that sharp, classic mac flair.
Fresh Parsley: A finishing pop of color and freshness on your bubbling, golden-baked Chili Mac.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Veggies

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble your ground beef for two minutes. Add the diced onions and cook together for about five more minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and those onions are soft and golden. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—this sets the stage for a flavorful but not-too-heavy dish.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

Next, add in your diced bell peppers and garlic, cooking another four minutes until they’ve softened and that juicy aroma fills your kitchen. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning and tomato paste, stirring well to transform the veggies and beef into a thick, spiced mixture. Give it a minute on the heat so the flavors bloom.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir all together until beautifully combined. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, covering the pot partially. Let it simmer while you tackle the mac and cheese—longer simmering means richer, thicker chili. Add drained kidney beans during the last 10 minutes for extra heartiness.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While the chili simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F and bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your macaroni according to package directions, aiming for al dente—the noodles will soak up more cheese sauce in the oven, so don’t let them go too soft. Drain them well and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for two minutes to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, then the milk, adding each in splashes so your sauce stays silky. Let this come to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Lower the heat, then slowly add the shredded cheddar, stirring until the sauce is completely smooth.

Step 6: Combine Mac and Cheese

Add the drained macaroni right into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every noodle in that lusciousness. For ultimate cheesiness, you can hold back a little pasta if you want your Chili Mac extra creamy—totally up to you and your cheese-to-noodle preferences.

Step 7: Mix Chili and Macaroni

Now comes the magic moment. Pour the simmered chili into the macaroni and cheese (as much or as little as you want), then gently fold it all together with a silicone spatula. You get to decide your perfect balance—more chili for a heartier bowl, more macaroni for extra creaminess. Any extra chili? It freezes like a dream for another dinner.

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Once everything is united and glorious, top the Chili Mac with the remaining shredded cheddar and pop it into the oven, uncovered, for five minutes. Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle over fresh parsley, dish up big scoops, and get ready for smiles all round the table!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and brightness. You can also add sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream if you want to play up the chili aspect. A little extra shredded cheddar or a dash of hot sauce never hurts, either—build your own bowl just the way you like it!

Side Dishes

Chili Mac honestly makes a meal all on its own, but you can never go wrong serving it with warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or steamed broccoli for balance. If you want something crunchy, try pairing with tortilla chips or a basket of garlic bread. They’ll scoop up every last bit of cheesy chili goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Tired of plain bowls? Try baking your Chili Mac in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch—golden cheese crusts for everyone! Or, serve it in bread bowls for a playful, hearty presentation. For game day, ladle it into sturdy tortilla chip cups or even as a dip alongside sturdy chips and veggie sticks. This dish welcomes creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chili Mac (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days and tastes just as fabulous reheated for a quick lunch or cozy dinner.

Freezing

Your Chili Mac is freezer-friendly, making future weeknights even easier. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will be good for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave single servings with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creaminess, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or gently on the stovetop, adding a little liquid if needed. Stir well and top with fresh cheese before serving for that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey (or even chicken) is a great substitute if you want a lighter version of Chili Mac. Just remember, you might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder in flavor.

Is Chili Mac spicy?

This recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the chili seasoning and optional hot sauce, but it’s easy to adjust. Use less hot sauce or a mild chili powder to keep it family-friendly, or ramp up the spice if you want more heat!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free macaroni and swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux in your cheese sauce. Always double-check your chili seasoning mix for any gluten-containing ingredients.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar really shines here because it melts smoothly and brings just the right tang, but feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious in Chili Mac.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Leave out the ground beef and double up on the beans or add plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef, and you’ll have a meatless Chili Mac that’s just as hearty and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac is the kind of meal that never goes out of style—cheesy, hearty, simple, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for the ultimate cozy-night-in dinner, this recipe guarantees empty plates and happy bellies. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort classic!