Chili Mac Recipe – A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Dish

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines two favorites—chili and macaroni? This chili mac recipe is your perfect answer. Rich, cheesy, and packed with protein, this one-pot wonder is a weeknight dinner dream. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, chili mac delivers bold flavors and satisfying texture in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and can be easily doubled for a crowd. Even picky eaters will devour this hearty classic. Plus, it uses pantry staples and minimal cookware, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into how to make the best chili mac ever!

Ingredients Of Chili Mac Recipe

Why You Will Love This Chili Mac Recipe

You will love this chili mac recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and easy to make. It brings together the bold, savory flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese—all in one pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal cleanup and uses simple, affordable ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can adjust the spice level, swap out the protein, or add your favorite veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, chili mac is a reliable, satisfying option that never disappoints.

Preparation Process Of Chili Mac Recipe

The chili mac preparation starts with sautéing beef and aromatics until browned and fragrant. Once the base flavors are developed, tomato products and spices are added to create a rich chili. Elbow macaroni is stirred in and cooked directly in the sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors. Once tender, shredded cheddar is melted in to give a creamy, cheesy finish. It’s then garnished and served hot!

Step By Step Instructions

Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown Beef: Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.

Drain Fat: Remove excess grease from the pot to keep the dish from becoming oily.

Stir in Tomatoes: Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, mixing to combine evenly.

Add Beans & Spices: Stir in kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pour Broth: Add beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Cook Pasta: Stir in elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.

Mix Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream, and serve immediately.

How to Serve?

• Topped with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro
• With a dollop of sour cream
• Alongside a slice of crusty bread or cornbread
• As a filling for stuffed bell peppers
• With tortilla chips for added crunch

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Approximate values per serving:
2. Calories: 480
3. Protein: 28g
4. Carbohydrates: 38g
5. Fat: 22g
6. Fiber: 6g
7. Sodium: 780mg

Recipe Card

Chili Mac Recipe – A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Dish

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Banana Bread Recipe

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

Chili mac is the perfect fusion of hearty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese—all in one delicious, one-pot meal. Loaded with beef, beans, bold spices, and gooey cheddar, it’s an easy and satisfying dish ideal for busy weeknights. Using simple pantry staples, it comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food or feeding a family on the go, this chili mac recipe will not disappoint. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Top it with sour cream or jalapeños and enjoy the ultimate bowl of comfort!

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups (about 8 oz)

• Ground beef – 1 pound (450g)

• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon

• Chopped onion – 1 medium (about 1 cup)

• Minced garlic – 3 cloves

• Tomato sauce – 1 (15 oz) can

• Diced tomatoes – 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained

• Kidney beans (drained and rinsed) – 1 (15 oz) can

• Chili powder – 1½ tablespoons

• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon

• Paprika – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – ¾ teaspoon (adjust to taste)

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Beef broth – 2 cups

• Shredded cheddar cheese – 1½ cups (more if desired)

• Sliced jalapeños – to taste

• Sour cream – for serving

• Chopped green onions – for garnish

Directions

• Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
• Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Brown Beef: Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
• Drain Fat: Remove excess grease from the pot to keep the dish from becoming oily.
• Stir in Tomatoes: Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, mixing to combine evenly.
• Add Beans & Spices: Stir in kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Pour Broth: Add beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Cook Pasta: Stir in elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
• Mix Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
• Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream, and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Always simmer the chili base before adding pasta to deepen the flavor.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
• For a thicker texture, reduce the broth slightly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Conclusion