Chili Mac Recipe

This Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this all-in-one dish is packed with flavor and texture. Topped with gooey melted cheddar and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.25 ounces chili seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth as substitute)
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

For Baking and Garnish:

• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat , cook and crumble the ground beef for 2 minutes .
2. Add the diced onion and continue to cook for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

1. Stir in the diced bell pepper and minced garlic . Cook for 4 minutes , or until the peppers are softened.
2. Add the chili seasoning mix and tomato paste , stirring well and cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce , undrained diced tomatoes , and chicken broth . Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot, and let it cook while you prepare the mac and cheese.
5. During the last 10 minutes of simmering , stir in the drained kidney beans .

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) .
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream , whisking constantly, followed by the milk . Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the hot sauce , mustard powder , onion powder , salt , and black pepper . Reduce the heat to low .
5. Slowly add 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese , stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine the Chili and Mac and Cheese

1. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing gently to combine.
2. Add the prepared chili to the mac and cheese. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the two components together until evenly incorporated. Adjust the ratio of chili to mac and cheese to your preference—if you have extra chili, reserve or freeze it for later use.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

1. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if needed, then top evenly with the remaining 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese .
2. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 5 minutes , or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
3. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Success

• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more chili seasoning or hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Mac is a delicious mashup of two classic comfort foods—spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. The hearty beef chili, loaded with beans and spices, pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy macaroni. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a warm, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and heartiness. Dive into this cheesy, spicy masterpiece and enjoy every bite of its comforting goodness!