Cozy Chili Mac Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

Creamy chili mac combines comfort food magic with zesty southwestern flair that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Hearty flavors merge in this one-pot wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Pasta shells cuddle with spicy ground beef and melted cheese, creating a dish packed with satisfying goodness.

Bold seasonings bring excitement to a classic pasta recipe that never disappoints.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this meal will become your new go-to dinner solution.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this irresistible chili mac masterpiece.

Why Chili Mac Is a Satisfying Meal

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This chili mac recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in one pot, saving you precious cleanup time and energy.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with protein, beans, and cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible options for personalization, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap beans, or add toppings like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños to match your taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this recipe delivers maximum taste without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for home cooks.

Ingredients That Make Chili Mac Delicious

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the chili mac.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor builders add depth and savory notes to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a warm, robust flavor profile that defines the chili mac's character.

• Diced Tomatoes, Kidney Beans, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a thick, saucy base with added texture and nutritional value.

• Elbow Macaroni, Cheddar Cheese: The pasta provides the base for this comfort food, while the cheese adds creaminess and extra richness.

• Fresh Herbs: A bright, fresh topping that can enhance the final presentation of the dish.

Instructions for Cooking Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Get rid of any extra fat by draining it completely.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle and soften, creating a delicious base for your chili mac.

This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for a minute to wake up those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth

Mix everything together to create a rich, robust sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Dump in the elbow macaroni and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Pull the pot off the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy, dreamy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out your chili mac piping hot. If you want, sprinkle some extra cheese on top or add a handful of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cheese and Sauce Texture

• Make sure to drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and enhance overall flavor.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version that reduces excess fat without compromising taste.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for a different flavor profile and extra kick.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and additional layers of flavor complexity.
• Allow the chili mac to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help thicken the sauce and let flavors meld together perfectly.

Flavor Ideas to Change Up Chili Mac

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check spice blends for potential gluten contamination.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce beans and increase protein for a keto-friendly adaptation.

How to Serve This Comfort Dish

• Game Night Feast: Serve this hearty chili mac as the centerpiece for a fun gathering with friends. Pair with crispy tortilla chips and cold drinks for a casual, interactive meal.
• Comfort Food Delight: Create a cozy family dinner by ladling the chili mac into deep bowls. Top with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream for ultimate comfort.
• Quick Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a warm, satisfying midday meal at work or school. Sprinkle some green onions on top for a fresh touch.
• Mexican-Inspired Twist: Transform the dish by adding sliced jalapeños, crushed corn chips, and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick that'll wake up your taste buds.

Storage Tips for Chili Mac Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the chili mac completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing this dish as pasta tends to become mushy when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

• Is chili mac a nutritious meal?

Yes, it provides protein from beef and beans, carbohydrates from pasta, and calcium from cheese. It offers a balanced combination of nutrients in one hearty dish.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat can make the dish drier.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and opt for whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value.

Simple Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chili mac blends hearty pasta with zesty ground beef in a comforting one-pot meal. Southern comfort cooking meets spicy Mexican-inspired flavors for a quick family dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes

Pasta, Spices, and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, sizzle ground beef until fully cooked and uniformly browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, gently toasting for 60 seconds to intensify their robust flavors.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and rich beef broth, thoroughly mixing all components to create a harmonious sauce.
5. Escalate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then introduce elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling liquid, reducing temperature immediately to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Allow pasta to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles reach perfect al dente texture and absorb surrounding flavors.
7. Extinguish flame and vigorously fold shredded cheddar cheese throughout the mixture, ensuring complete melting and creating a creamy, indulgent consistency.
8. Transfer chili mac to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with additional cheese sprinkles or freshly chopped herbs for enhanced visual appeal and taste.

Notes

• Trim fat from ground beef to reduce overall dish calories and create a leaner meal.
• Use lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that maintains the recipe’s rich flavor profile.
• Skip draining fat completely for extra moisture if using very lean meat, preventing potential dryness in the final dish.
• Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for diners who enjoy more intense spice levels without changing the core recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg