Get ready to meet your new family favorite. This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the rich, savory flavors of homemade chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. Say goodbye to extra dishes and hello to a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is a Winner
In a world of complicated recipes, this one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese stands out. It’s designed for real life—when you crave a wholesome, from-scratch meal without the fuss. We skip the canned stuff to build a deep, flavorful chili base, then cook the pasta right in the sauce. This technique not only saves time but also infuses every single noodle with incredible flavor. The result is a perfectly balanced, irresistibly cheesy dish that truly delivers.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Chili Mac
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Savory Chili Base:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
- Aromatics: A simple combination of yellow onion and fresh garlic creates the foundational flavor.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of oregano give the chili its classic, smoky taste.
- Tomatoes & Beans: A can of crushed tomatoes provides the sauce base, while diced tomatoes and kidney beans add texture.
- Beef Broth: This is our cooking liquid for the pasta, ensuring every bite is infused with savory flavor.
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for its ability to hold onto all that cheesy sauce.
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: This combination is the key to success. Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, while Monterey Jack melts into a dreamy, creamy texture. Always shred your own cheese for the best melt!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chili Mac and Cheese
Making this one-pot wonder is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Bloom the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Build the Chili: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and undrained diced tomatoes. Add the kidney beans and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make it Cheesy: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
For a similar one-pot meal that your family will love, check out our delicious One-Pot Beefaroni recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Mac
A few simple tricks can take your homemade chili mac from great to unforgettable.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, always shred a block of cheese yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the hot sauce after you remove it from the heat. Cook it until it’s just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Control the Heat: Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onions. For a milder version, ensure your chili powder is mild.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Different Meats: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or even spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Chili Mac: For a meat-free version, omit the beef and add an extra can of black beans or pinto beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Bean Swaps: Not a fan of kidney beans? Black beans or pinto beans work wonderfully.
If you’re a fan of cheesy comfort food, you have to try our classic Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese. And for another chili variation, our Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili (coming soon) is a must-try!
What to Serve with Your Chili Mac
This Chili Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A slice of buttery cornbread is perfect for sopping up the cheesy sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to restore its creamy consistency as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you have about 4-5 cups of leftover chili, you can heat it in a pot, add a cup of beef broth, bring it to a simmer, and then stir in the uncooked macaroni. Cook until the pasta is done, then stir in the cheese off the heat.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of milk or beef broth and stir over low heat to restore its creamy texture.
The key is to cook the pasta to al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. The pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the hot sauce, so pulling it from the heat at the right time prevents it from becoming mushy.
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can bulk up the chili by adding an extra can of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, and a cup of corn.
A combination of a good melting cheese and a flavorful cheese is best. We love sharp cheddar for its classic flavor and Monterey Jack for its superior creaminess. Colby Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for a kick, are also great options.
The Ultimate Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Chili Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and undrained diced tomatoes. Add the kidney beans and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can stir in an extra splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions before serving.
Share Your Creation!
We know this hearty Chili Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even a game day gathering. If you make this recipe and love it, we’d be thrilled if you shared it on Pinterest! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out.
