Chili Mac Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Amazingly Delicious

Chili Mac is what happens when two comfort food legends—chili and mac & cheese—decide to join forces and blow your dinner routine out of the water. It’s cozy, it’s cheesy, it’s got that little kick of heat, and it feeds a crowd like a champ. Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters, planning your next potluck dish, or just need something that sticks to your ribs, this Chili Mac will have you clearing plates faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

Packed with seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and just the right amount of spice, it’s weeknight dinner gold. Plus, it’s totally make-ahead and freezer-friendly. Need more reasons to fall in love with this hearty mashup? Let’s dig into this comfort classic.

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What is Chili Mac?

Chili Mac is the comfort food love child of rich, meaty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. Think of it as a casserole that eats like a hug. It starts with a pot of bold, beefy chili—ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices—then gets swirled into a velvety cheddar mac and cheese. The final touch? A layer of melted cheddar baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to put your phone down, grab a spoon, and dive in.

Originating as a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal, Chili Mac has stood the test of time because it’s just that good. It’s been a staple in American kitchens for decades—and for good reason. It’s easy, satisfying, and ridiculously delicious.

Reasons to Try Chili Mac

Let’s be real: life is busy. Whether you’re juggling work, laundry, or a toddler who just discovered they don’t like “spicy things,” you need meals that are simple, hearty, and actually get eaten. That’s where Chili Mac shines. First off, it’s a complete meal in one dish—protein, carbs, and dairy, all showing up to the party. Second, it’s wildly customizable: swap beans, play with heat levels, or sneak in veggies like spinach or zucchini without anyone noticing.

It’s also super economical—one batch feeds a small army, and leftovers reheat like a dream. Plus, it’s a potluck MVP. Bring Chili Mac to your next game day or family dinner, and don’t be surprised when people beg for the recipe.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chili Mac

For the Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.25 oz chili seasoning packet (or homemade seasoning blend—see below)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt and pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Baking:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Homemade Chili Seasoning Option:

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Pinch of cayenne

Instructions to Make Chili Mac

Ready to make the ultimate comfort food? Follow this step-by-step Chili Mac guide to create a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a weeknight warrior, this guide will walk you through the entire process in a clear and easy-to-follow way. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Soften the Veggies

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef (80% lean works great for flavor and moisture). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into crumbles and cook for about 2 minutes.

Then, toss in the diced onion and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. You’re looking for the beef to brown and the onions to soften and turn translucent. This step is the flavor base of your chili, so don’t rush it. Once done, drain off any excess grease.

Tip: For extra lean ground beef options or tips on cooking meat safely, check out our ground beef guide for smart substitutions.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

Once the meat is browned and the onions are tender, stir in the diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 4 minutes. The peppers should soften slightly, and the garlic should smell fragrant—this is when the dish starts to really smell amazing.

Now stir in the chili seasoning and tomato paste. If you’re using the homemade chili seasoning blend (which you can find in our ingredients section above), add it here. Let it all cook together for 1 minute. This step blooms the spices, which means they release their essential oils and deepen the flavor of your chili base.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the tomato sauce, the undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly. Increase the heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer while you prep the macaroni and cheese.

Simmering the chili gives it time to thicken and concentrate in flavor. You’ll want to add the drained kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering so they stay firm and intact.

Want to mix things up? Swap the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand. Visit our Easy Enchilada Casserole for more bean-based dinner inspiration!

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While your chili is bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your macaroni and cook until just al dente—usually 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says.

Why al dente? Because the pasta will cook more when it bakes, and overcooked pasta can turn mushy. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan (or the same pot you’ll bake everything in, if it’s oven-safe), melt the butter over medium heat. Once it begins to foam slightly, whisk in the flour to make a roux—a thickening paste. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture smells slightly nutty.

Next, gradually add the heavy cream, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Follow with the milk, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer.

Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce (don’t worry—it enhances flavor without adding noticeable heat). Stir until smooth. Finally, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously until you have a velvety, dreamy cheese sauce.

Want more easy cheesy recipes? Our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is another creamy crowd-pleaser you’ll love.

Step 6: Combine Macaroni with Cheese Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. If you like your mac extra cheesy, you can reduce the pasta amount slightly so the sauce is even richer.

Step 7: Stir in the Chili

Now it’s time to combine the magic. Pour the chili into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold everything together until the sauce and chili are fully combined.

You can add all of the chili or just part of it, depending on how chili-forward you want your dish to be. Save any extra for leftovers or freeze it for another meal—it’s fantastic on its own or over rice.

Step 8: Bake and Finish

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish (or leave it in the Dutch oven if it’s oven-safe). Sprinkle the top with 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 400°F, uncovered, for about 5 minutes—or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Pull it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color (totally optional but always pretty). Let it cool slightly before serving so the sauce thickens up just a bit.

What to Serve with Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a meal all on its own, but if you’re looking to round things out, here are some easy, no-fuss ideas. Cornbread is a classic pairing—sweet, crumbly, and perfect for scooping up that cheesy goodness. Try it with our Chili Cornbread Casserole twist if you’re feeling extra. Want something green? A simple side salad with ranch or a vinegar-based slaw balances out the richness. Craving crunch? Tortilla chips or even Fritos on top bring a nice texture. For game day spreads, serve alongside Ground Beef Burrito Bowls or Taco Spaghetti Bake for a Tex-Mex vibe.

Key Tips for Making Chili Mac

1. Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it doesn’t melt as smoothly because of the anti-caking agents.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked is key since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
3. Simmer your chili. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
4. Use a Dutch oven. If you have one, it lets you go from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
5. Go easy on the heat. You can always add more hot sauce later, but it’s tough to tone it down once it’s in.
6. Make it your own. Swap kidney beans for black beans, add corn, or use ground turkey—Chili Mac is flexible!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chili Mac

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Chili Mac stores like a dream. Just let it cool and pop it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? Go ahead—it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Pro tip: undercook the pasta just a smidge if you know you’ll be freezing it. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it on the stove or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it looks a little dry. Microwave works too—just stir halfway through to avoid cold spots.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything except the final cheese topping and refrigerate. When ready, reheat on the stove, top with cheese, and bake.

Can I freeze Chili Mac?
Yes! Freeze in a casserole dish or in portions. Just undercook the pasta slightly if freezing.

Is this spicy?
It has a mild kick, but feel free to skip the hot sauce or use a mild chili seasoning for picky eaters.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great additions.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure thing! Skip the beef, double the beans, and use veggie broth.

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac isn’t just a meal—it’s a mood. It’s what you make when you want something cozy, filling, and downright satisfying without busting your budget or dirtying your entire kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to please a house full of hangry humans, this Chili Mac recipe will never let you down. Ready to try more soul-warming dinners? Check out our Amish Country Casserole or the ultra-cozy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Trust me—your future self will thank you.

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