Chili Mac

A cozy classic that brings together two comfort food favorites—hearty chili and creamy macaroni—Chili Mac is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a warm, satisfying memory. With its bold flavors, tender elbow pasta, and meaty, cheesy richness, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It's a dish that checks every box: savory, filling, and undeniably delicious.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving something nostalgic and deeply satisfying, Chili Mac delivers. It’s quick to make, deeply flavorful, and flexible enough to adapt with pantry staples. Plus, the melding of the chili-spiced ground beef with tomato sauce and gooey cheese coating every piece of pasta? Irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac

• Combines the heartiness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese
• One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the ultimate Chili Mac, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Start with a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, which ensures even cooking and enough space to combine all the ingredients without overcrowding. A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the mixture without damaging your cookware. You’ll also want a colander to drain your pasta and a grater for shredding cheese (if you’re not using pre-shredded). Measuring cups and spoons keep things precise.

Each of these tools serves an important purpose: the Dutch oven provides even heat distribution, the colander helps prevent soggy noodles, and freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than bagged varieties. Keeping your setup simple but effective is key to nailing this dish.

Preparation Tips

Before you dive into cooking, measure out and prep all your ingredients. This mise en place approach keeps things flowing smoothly, especially since Chili Mac cooks up quickly. Brown the ground beef thoroughly to build flavor, and be sure to drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente—it will finish cooking in the sauce and absorb all the delicious flavors. Finally, stir in the cheese at the very end off the heat, so it melts evenly and doesn’t get grainy.

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Ingredients for this Chili Mac

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (lean)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sear until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomato Base and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra kick.

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Notes

Chili Mac is a flexible recipe that can easily be customized to fit different dietary preferences or what you already have in your pantry. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles or extra beans. For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese with the shredded cheese. And for those who like it spicier, toss in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Since the noodles continue cooking in the hot mixture, pull them off the heat just before they reach full doneness.
• Adding cheese over high heat: This can cause the cheese to become grainy or separate. Always stir it in off the heat.
• Using too much liquid: Stick to the recommended broth quantity. Too much and you'll end up with soup; too little and the pasta may not cook properly.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approx. 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, but shorter pastas like penne, shells, or rotini work best. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

How spicy is this Chili Mac?

It's mild by default. To increase heat, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. It reheats well and flavors deepen overnight.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly and avoids the anti-caking agents.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef?

Definitely, especially if you're making a vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to freeze it?

Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground meat, or add chopped veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and ensure even cooking by stirring more frequently.

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Conclusion

Chili Mac is everything you love about comfort food: warm, filling, flavorful, and unfussy. With minimal effort, you get a meal that satisfies every time—perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or freezer-friendly batches. Its balance of protein, carbs, and cheese makes it a classic that never gets old. Once you make it, it'll quickly become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation.

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