Quick Chili Mac Recipe

Easy Homemade Chili Mac Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting the perfect chili mac can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty flavors mingle together, creating a comforting dish that speaks to your soul.

Pasta and ground beef dance with robust spices, promising a satisfying experience.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you combine these classic ingredients.

Layers of cheesy goodness and rich tomato sauce bring excitement to the table.

Each bite delivers a warm, zesty embrace that makes you feel right at home.

Dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.

Chili Mac: Reasons to Make It

  • Conquer Comfort Food Craving: This chili mac delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that combines classic pasta with rich, spicy chili flavors in one delicious dish.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a complete meal in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy families who want a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or extra cheese to make it uniquely yours and keep everyone excited about dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleasing One-Pot Wonder: Impress family and friends with a filling meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners.

Chili Mac Ingredients Breakdown

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili mac.
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that enhance the depth and savory profile of the dish.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder: Adds warm, slightly spicy flavor characteristic of traditional chili.
  • Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm undertone to the overall dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and heighten the other flavors.
Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Bring bright, tangy notes and moisture to the chili mixture.
  • Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the entire dish.
Beans and Pasta:
  • Beans: Add protein, texture, and traditional chili elements to the recipe.
  • Macaroni: The classic pasta that gives this dish its signature mac and cheese style.
Finishing Touch:
  • Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, indulgent coating that brings all ingredients together.

Stepwise Directions For Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown Savory Ground Beef

In a large skillet, sizzle ground beef over medium-high heat. As the meat cooks, add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Break up the beef with a wooden spoon, cooking until it turns a rich brown color and the onions become translucent.

Step 2: Create Hearty Chili Base

Pour into the skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Kidney beans
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Macaroni Noodles

Boil macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine and Melt Cheesy Goodness

Add the drained macaroni directly into the chili mixture.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until the cheese completely melts and coats the pasta and chili.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chili mac to serving bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling with cheesy deliciousness.

Tips To Improve Chili Mac

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
  • Rinse canned beans before adding to minimize sodium content and improve overall flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
  • Allow chili mac to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
  • Consider using whole wheat macaroni for added nutritional value and a nutty undertone.

Flavor Variations Of Chili Mac

  • Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to create a fiery, bold meal with extra kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic chili mac taste profile.
  • Comfort Food Feast: Serve chili mac in deep ceramic bowls topped with extra shredded cheddar and sliced green onions for a hearty family dinner.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform the dish into a build-your-own chili mac bar with toppings like sour cream, diced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for interactive dining.
  • Game Day Delight: Scoop chili mac into individual bread bowls or serve as a rich dip with corn chips for a crowd-pleasing sports watching snack that everyone will love.
  • Lunch Box Hero: Pack cooled chili mac in meal prep containers for an easy, filling lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps hunger at bay with its protein-packed goodness.

FAQs

  • What type of beans work best in this recipe?

Kidney beans or black beans are excellent choices, adding texture and protein to the chili mac.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans to keep the protein content high.

  • How spicy is this chili mac?

The recipe uses standard chili powder, which provides mild heat. Adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or include red pepper flakes for extra kick.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, beans, and macaroni, making it an economical meal for families.

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Quick Chili Mac Recipe

Quick Chili Mac Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
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Description

Hearty chili mac delivers comfort food magic from American kitchens. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta combine in one satisfying skillet meal that promises delicious warmth when you hunger for something classic and filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup kidney beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tomato Base:

  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are translucent.
  2. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans, then season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly.
  4. Combine cooked macaroni with the simmered chili mixture, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the pasta.
  5. Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive sauce coating the chili mac.
  6. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
  • Experiment with different bean varieties like kidney, black, or pinto beans for unique flavor profiles.
  • Rinse canned beans before adding to reduce sodium content and improve overall digestibility.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans to maintain protein content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling

Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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