If you’re craving a meal that’s both hearty and comforting with a flavorful kick, then this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is just what you need. It beautifully combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy heartiness of chili, making it a one-pot wonder that’s bursting with layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a satisfying dinner that warms you from the inside out, this dish delivers on all fronts—rich, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a dish that balances spice, creaminess, and texture perfectly. From the savory ground beef to the zingy spices and creamy cheddar, these simple but essential components will elevate your meal to new heights.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness to the base flavors.
- Extra lean ground beef: The hearty protein backbone that keeps this meal filling yet lean.
- Large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory depth when softened with garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle heat that livens up every bite.
- Ground cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone typical of chili flavors.
- Chili powder: The star spice that ties all the chili elements together.
- Ground black pepper: Offers a fresh, sharp bite to balance the creaminess.
- Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the savory flavors.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Contributes creamy texture and fiber.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and color contrast.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides fresh acidity and moisture to meld the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth): The flavorful cooking liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses the chili base.
- Elbow macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta shape that holds onto that cheesy chili sauce perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided to create a creamy cheese melt inside and a gooey, golden top layer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to finish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it goes. If your beef releases excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook everything together until the onions soften and turn translucent, bringing out their natural sweetness and fully building your flavor base.
Step 2: Add Spices and Beans
With the beef and veggies perfectly cooked, stir in the cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices are the heart of this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe, layering in warmth, earthiness, and gentle heat. Once the spices are fragrant, add the black beans, kidney beans, and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. This mix not only boosts the color and texture but also infuses the dish with wholesome bean goodness.
Step 3: Simmer with Pasta
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Bring everything to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the macaroni cook for 9 to 12 minutes until it’s perfectly tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid any pasta sticking or burning on the bottom. This step is where the pasta magically absorbs all the chili flavors and the broth creates a luscious, thick sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Once the macaroni is tender and the chili is rich and bubbling, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly throughout the dish. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and cover the pot again, allowing that final layer to melt into a beautiful gooey crown. The melted cheddar creates that creamy, irresistible texture that truly defines the Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 5: Serve
Finish by garnishing your creation with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color contrast. Serve this dish hot, savoring each spoonful of cheesy, spicy comfort that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a perfect simple garnish to brighten up the rich flavors and add a pop of green. You might also consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add additional creaminess or subtle sharpness that complements the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe works wonderfully as a standalone meal, but if you want to round it out, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side offers a tasty way to soak up all the cheesy chili sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or meal preps, serve the chili macaroni in small individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. You can also transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole style variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making the next day’s meal every bit as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the cheese sauce and restore its creamy consistency without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe, you can swap in shells, rotini, or any small pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply leave out the ground beef and consider adding extra beans, diced veggies, or even textured vegetable protein to keep it hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?
The heat is mild to moderate thanks to the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing cayenne or adding your favorite hot sauce for extra kick.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar provides a great sharp, creamy flavor here, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different spin.
What’s the best way to make this dish creamier?
Adding a splash of milk or cream when melting the cheese can make it extra indulgent. Also, stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end can add luscious richness to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings. Its blend of spicy, cheesy, and hearty elements makes it a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead and dive into this dish—the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and impossible not to love!
Print
Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comfort of cheesy macaroni with the bold flavors of chili spices, ground beef, and beans. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in one pot, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (26 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 10 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. For higher fat ground beef, drain any excess grease. Then stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Beans: Stir in cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper evenly. Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer with Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth) and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 9 to 12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom.
- Add Cheese: Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the hot mixture until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top and cover the pot again for about one minute to allow the cheese to fully melt and become gooey.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Chili Mac and Cheese hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce grease and calories.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it a bit lighter or vegetarian by omitting meat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in cheese.
