Chili Mac and Cheese – A Hearty Pasta Recipe

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect marriage of creamy mac and cheese and hearty chili. This one-pot wonder is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides a protein-packed base for the dish.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta works.
• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives a rich and gooey texture.
• Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, savory base for the chili.
• Beans: Kidney or black beans boost the heartiness of the dish.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

2. Build the Flavor

1. Stir in 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat). Stir well.

3. Add Liquid and Pasta

1. Pour in 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of beef or chicken broth.
2. Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed beans (optional).

4. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

5. Add the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

6. Serve

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
2. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Recipe Tips

• For added heat, toss in diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.
• Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or a plant-based alternative.
• To make it extra cheesy, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top and broil for 2–3 minutes.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A side of garlic bread
• A crisp Caesar salad
• Steamed green beans or broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Can I freeze Chili Mac?
Absolutely. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne works great.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in olive oil; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in spices, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Add pasta and beans; simmer until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish and serve hot.

This Chili Mac recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll want to make on repeat! 🧀🍝

Chili Mac

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect marriage of creamy mac and cheese and hearty chili. This one-pot wonder is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
• 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can 15 oz kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Brown the ground beef in olive oil; drain excess fat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
• Stir in spices, tomatoes, and broth.
• Add pasta and beans; simmer until pasta is tender.
• Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
• Garnish and serve hot.
• This Chili Mac recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll want to make on repeat!