Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup that will have everyone you know asking for seconds! With savory, hearty chili swirled right into luscious layers of cheesy macaroni, this is the kind of meal you dream about after a long day. Every bite brings the gentle spice of the chili, creamy pockets of gooey cheese, and the familiar nostalgia of elbow pasta—all baked together for serious coziness. Whether you call it a weeknight dinner hero or the best potluck dish ever, Chili Mac deserves a permanent spot on the menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chili Mac lies in its honest, down-to-earth ingredients that are each crucial to building bold flavor and silky, cheesy texture. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it counts!

Ground beef: Adds savory richness and helps make the chili extra hearty and satisfying.
Onion: Delivers depth and a hint of natural sweetness as it softens with the beef.
Bell pepper: Brightens up the base, adding color and mild sweetness to the chili.
Garlic: Essential for a robust background flavor that really makes the chili sing.
Chili seasoning mix: The key to classic chili flavor—use store-bought or a homemade blend for control over the spice level.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
Tomato sauce: Brings acidity and rounds out the chili base with a rich, saucy texture.
Diced tomatoes: Use them undrained for extra juiciness and those perfectly soft bites of tomato.
Chicken broth: Adds umami and keeps everything saucy—beef broth works just as well for a richer base.
Kidney beans: For heartiness, color, and classic chili character—don’t forget to drain!
Macaroni: The perfect pasta to hug the cheese and chili for that signature Chili Mac texture.
Butter: Essential for a creamy roux and that lush mac and cheese sauce.
Flour: Combined with butter, it thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every noodle.
Heavy cream: Brings an indulgent richness to every bite of mac and cheese.
Milk: Lightens the cream and helps the cheese sauce stay beautifully silky.
Mustard powder: A little zing to balance all the creaminess and cheese.
Onion powder: Deepens the flavor for a more classic homemade taste.
Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Hot sauce: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the cheese sauce—pick your favorite!
Cheddar cheese: The must-have melty goodness for both the cheese sauce and the irresistible topping.
Fresh parsley: The perfect finishing touch for a pop of green and freshness.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Make the Chili

Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. After about 2 minutes, toss in the diced onion and let everything cook together for five more minutes until the beef is caramelized and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat so you’re left with pure flavor. Next, add the bell pepper and garlic, cooking until the pepper is tender. Sprinkle in the chili seasoning and tomato paste, stirring for one minute to let the flavors bloom. Now add tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently with the lid partly on; this is where the flavor deepens. Stir in the drained kidney beans for the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Step 2: Make the Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 400° F to get it piping hot for the cheesy finish. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil for the macaroni. While you wait, start your cheese sauce in a Dutch oven or large soup pot: melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, stirring for two minutes until slightly nutty. Slowly add heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly so it stays smooth and creamy. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, stir in hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat to low and sprinkle in shredded cheddar a bit at a time, stirring until your sauce is thick, melted, and glossy. Boil the macaroni just to al dente, so it stays perfect after baking, then drain and fold into the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Combine the Chili & Macaroni

Now comes the fun part! Gently scoop your simmered chili right into the cheesy macaroni. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold them together until you have your perfect Chili Mac ratio. If you have extra chili, you can save it for another meal or freeze it for later! It’s totally up to your personal preference—some like it a bit saucier, some a little cheesier.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Once everything’s combined, smooth out the top and scatter on another generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Slide the pot into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes—just enough time to melt the cheese into a bubbly, golden blanket that will seriously test your patience! Sprinkle with parsley as a flourish before serving.

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

The finishing touches can really make your Chili Mac sing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness, but you can also try sliced green onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even crushed corn chips for a little crunch. It’s all about those extra pops of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Chili Mac is a meal in itself, but if you feel like adding sides, keep it simple and comforting. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the creamy richness, or try warm, buttered cornbread for dipping. For something lighter, steamed broccoli or sautéed greens work really well with the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Ditch the casserole for a night and spoon your finished Chili Mac into individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, go big with a cast-iron skillet presentation straight to the table. For a party, serve it in mugs with a bar of toppings to let everyone customize. Leftovers even make fantastic stuffed peppers or a topping for loaded baked potatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat as needed—sometimes, the flavors are even more delicious the next day, as everything melds together!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Chili Mac for future you to enjoy! Let it cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Or, rewarm larger batches in a covered baking dish at 350° F until hot and bubbly. Stir halfway through and add a bit of fresh cheese on top if you want to restore that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great in place of beef. Just adjust the seasoning to make sure you get that signature Chili Mac flavor.

Is it spicy?

The heat level is totally customizable. Use a mild chili seasoning for a gentle kick or add extra hot sauce if you like it fiery. You’re in control!

Can I make Chili Mac gluten free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free macaroni and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check your chili seasoning and broth to make sure they’re gluten free too.

What cheeses work best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Chili Mac, but mixing in a bit of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby can add even more melt and flavor. Stick with good-quality, hand-shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce.

Can I assemble it ahead of time?

You can prepare and assemble the Chili Mac up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving—add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving the ultimate in comfort food, give this Chili Mac a try! There’s something about the combo of hearty chili and melty mac and cheese that just feels like a giant, delicious hug. One bite, and you may never look at casseroles the same way again. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy, soul-soothing forkful!

Chili Mac Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Chili Mac recipe combines two classic dishes into one delicious and satisfying meal. Hearty chili loaded with ground beef, beans, and spices is mixed with creamy macaroni and cheese, then baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Instructions

Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, seasoning, and tomato paste. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Simmer. Add kidney beans.
Make the Mac and Cheese – Boil pasta, prepare cheese sauce. Combine butter, flour, cream, milk, seasonings, and cheese. Add cooked macaroni.
Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Mix chili with macaroni.
Bake – Top with cheese and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning and hot sauce.
Feel free to add additional toppings such as sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapenos.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American