If you’re in the market for the ultimate comfort food mashup, Chili Mac and Cheese is about to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. This dish is everything you love about creamy, cheesy mac and cheese—plus the bold, hearty flavors of classic chili, all cooked together in one bubbly, crave-worthy pot. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or just indulging in a little nostalgic coziness, Chili Mac and Cheese combines the best of both worlds for a meal that’s positively irresistible with every bite.

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Chili Mac and Cheese lies in how simple but essential the ingredients are. Each component has a job to do—bringing flavor, texture, color, and a little bit of magic to the party. Here are the key players you’ll need to make this dish a knockout every single time:

Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the aromatics at the start for loads of background flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and a savory foundation that perfumes the whole dish.
Garlic: Adds punch and depth; nothing beats the aroma as it hits the pan.
Ground Beef: The hearty, meaty base—choose lean or regular depending on how rich you want the sauce.
Chili Powder: This is where the chili flavor shines, giving the dish its signature warmth.
Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and a subtle hint of smokiness.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky undertone that makes each bite more complex.
Oregano: A classic chili seasoning—adds a little herbal lift to balance the richness.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who want a little kick, just a pinch will do.
Salt and Pepper: Brings all the flavors together—taste as you go!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned works perfectly and adds juiciness and color.
Kidney or Black Beans: Drained and rinsed, for satisfying texture and extra protein.
Beef or Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and is the perfect liquid to help everything simmer together.
Elbow Macaroni: Uncooked—their shape is classic and the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts for that signature creamy, stretchy finish everyone loves.
Milk: Makes the cheese sauce irresistibly smooth and creamy.
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (Optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, colorful garnish.

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those finely chopped onions and let them shimmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often until they’re soft and just starting to turn golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Time for the meat. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Give it a few minutes, stirring here and there, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat, just drain it off—you want the flavors from the beef, not a greasy sauce.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Here’s where the magic of Chili Mac and Cheese starts to come through. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, a little cayenne if you like heat, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute, letting the spices bloom and become fragrant. This quick step wakes up all those seasonings for extra depth and character.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, Broth, and Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices too!), add your drained beans, then the broth, and finally the uncooked macaroni. Stir it all together so the pasta is well coated and everyone’s mingling. Crank up the heat and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect

Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking, and prepare to watch as the macaroni soaks up the bold, savory flavors. When the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, you’re ready for the final flourish.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in all that glorious shredded cheddar cheese along with the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce turns creamy, gooey, and luscious. If you want to get fancy, you can sneak in extra cheese varieties here too. The result? Ultimate Chili Mac and Cheese goodness.

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A good garnish makes this crowd-pleaser look as tempting as it tastes. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley over your Chili Mac and Cheese adds a pop of color and a hit of freshness, making each bowl feel special (and a little bit gourmet!).

Side Dishes

This dish honestly doesn’t need much on the side, but if you want to round things out, try a crisp green salad, cornbread, or warm garlic bread. Their mild flavors let your Chili Mac and Cheese really shine while adding balance and variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Serve Chili Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or mugs for a cozy touch, or set up a toppings bar with sour cream, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for a DIY chili mac feast. This dish can even go into a casserole dish, topped with more cheese and briefly baked for an irresistible bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili Mac and Cheese keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container—when you’re ready for another bowl, the flavors will be even more delicious!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, simply let your Chili Mac and Cheese cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to bring back its silky creaminess, or pop single portions in the microwave. Stir well as it heats so the sauce stays smooth and the pasta heats through evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Chili Mac and Cheese, you can swap in small shells, penne, or rotini—just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the liquid if your pasta absorbs more or less.

How can I make this vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese, skip the beef and double up on the beans (or add lentils) for plenty of protein and heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth, and you’re all set!

Is this dish spicy?

With just the chili powder and smoked paprika, it’s more flavorful than spicy. The cayenne pepper is optional and totally customizable—add a little or a lot, depending on your heat preference.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble as directed, let cool, and portion out for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The flavors meld even more as it sits.

What other cheese can I use?

Cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby, or even mozzarella can all add deliciously different twists to your Chili Mac and Cheese. Mix and match for fun combinations!

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac and Cheese is truly the best of both comfort food worlds—rich, hearty, and fantastically cheesy. If you’re looking for a meal that’ll win over adults, kids, and picky eaters alike, this is a must-try. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and savor every bite of this weeknight-friendly classic!

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe