Chili Mac and Cheese

When two comfort food favorites come together, you know it’s going to be good. Chili mac and cheese takes hearty beef chili and blends it with creamy, cheesy pasta for the ultimate weeknight dinner.

It’s cozy, filling, and one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something bold and comforting, this one-pot wonder has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chili mac and cheese is the definition of comfort food. You get the best of both worlds—rich, flavorful chili loaded with ground beef, beans, and spices, combined with tender macaroni coated in gooey melted cheese.

It’s quick to make, perfect for weeknights, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, you can adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap in different cheeses to make it your own.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the chili sauce later.

2. Make the Chili Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef with chopped onions and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for that bold chili flavor.

3. Add Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Add beef broth or chicken broth to loosen the mixture. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld together.

4. Stir in Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the chili mixture. Stir well so every bite has pasta, beef, and beans.

5. Make It Cheesy

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar (or a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella). Stir until melted and creamy. For an extra gooey finish, top with more cheese and cover the pot for a few minutes so it melts into a cheesy layer.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon generous portions into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings—sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or extra cheese.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Carbohydrates	38 g
Protein	26 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Cholesterol	65 mg
Sodium	720 mg
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	5 g

Storage & Reheating, Freezing

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Tips

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can round it out with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. If you like heat, add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños before serving. For gatherings, serve it straight from a Dutch oven or transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm. It’s also perfect for game day when you want something filling and crowd-pleasing.

Troubleshooting & Fixes

Problem	Fix
Too watery	Simmer longer to reduce liquid or add extra cheese to thicken.
Pasta overcooked	Cook pasta just until al dente before adding to chili.
Not enough flavor	Increase spices like chili powder, cumin, or add hot sauce.
Cheese clumps	Add cheese slowly off the heat and stir continuously.
Too spicy	Use mild chili powder and balance with extra cheese or sour cream.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for more beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground substitute.

What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack add great flavor too.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, small shapes like shells or rotini work just as well.

How spicy is it?
That depends on your chili powder and optional jalapeños—adjust to your heat preference.

Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely! It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Final Thought

Chili mac and cheese is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy—bold, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet hearty enough to serve to friends and family when you want something comforting and filling. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on regular rotation.