Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy Chili Mac and Cheese! This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a hearty, flavorful masterpiece that comes together in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze. Picture this: tender elbow pasta enveloped in a rich, savory chili, all blanketed under a luscious layer of melted cheese. It’s the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods, designed to satisfy hungry families and picky eaters alike. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your home. Get ready to experience pure culinary bliss with every spoonful of this homemade chili mac wonder!
There’s something truly magical about combining the robust, spicy notes of a classic homemade chili with the creamy, indulgent goodness of mac and cheese. This one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe delivers an unparalleled comfort food experience, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. It’s an ideal solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick, convenient, and incredibly flavorful, this dish promises to be a family favorite.
If you’re on the hunt for more quick and effortless family-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on taste, be sure to explore some of our other popular creations. You absolutely must try our Healthy Orange Chicken, a vibrant and nutritious alternative to takeout; our refreshing Spinach Chickpea Salad Recipe, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal; and our zesty Spicy Cashew Chicken Recipe, which brings a delightful kick to your dinner table. Each of these recipes is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring your family always enjoys delicious, home-cooked meals.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- A True One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire chili mac recipe is cooked in a single pot, from browning the meat to simmering the pasta and melting the cheese. This streamlines your cooking process, saves precious time on weeknights, and significantly reduces cleanup. It’s a complete meal – protein, carbs, and vegetables – all integrated into one harmonious dish.
- Pantry Staple Perfection: You’ll love how this recipe relies on ingredients you likely already have on hand. Canned diced tomatoes, hearty kidney beans, and a selection of common spices are key components, making it incredibly convenient. No need for a special grocery run; just gather your kitchen essentials and get ready to cook. This focus on everyday items makes it an economical and accessible choice for any home cook.
- Quick 30-Minute Dinner Solution: In today’s fast-paced world, a quick dinner is a lifesaver. This Chili Mac and Cheese clocks in at just about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s fast, easy, and efficient, ensuring that dinner is on the table before hunger pangs turn into a full-blown family revolt. It’s the ideal recipe for busy parents or anyone looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal after a long day.
- Customizable & Versatile: One of the best aspects of this chili mac is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference, swap out proteins, or add extra vegetables. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Macaroni and cheese is a universal favorite, and when combined with a mild, flavorful chili, it becomes an instant hit with kids and adults alike. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a comforting meal that even the pickiest eaters will ask for again and again. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Essential Chili Mac Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Crafting the perfect one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips for optimal results:
- Elbow Pasta: The classic choice for macaroni and cheese, elbow pasta perfectly cradles the rich chili sauce. You can use normal-sized elbows or any other small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells if you prefer, ensuring it cooks evenly in one pot.
- Diced Tomatoes: Opt for petite diced canned tomatoes. They break down easily to form the base of your chili, adding a lovely tang and depth without large chunks. A 14 oz. can is usually ideal.
- Seasoning Blend: A robust chili flavor is achieved with a blend of key spices. You’ll need a packet of your favorite chili seasoning, along with additional chili powder for extra kick, salt to enhance all the flavors, and cumin powder for its earthy, warm notes. Don’t skip the cumin – it’s crucial for authentic chili taste.
- Green Chili Pepper: Canned green chilies (typically 4.5 oz.) add a mild, smoky heat and complexity without overwhelming the dish. They’re a convenient way to boost flavor.
- Onion: Any type of onion will work beautifully here – red, sweet, yellow, or white onion. Finely chopped, it forms the aromatic foundation of the dish, sautéing to a sweet, translucent tenderness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is highly recommended over garlic powder for its pungent, vibrant flavor. Minced fresh garlic adds an irreplaceable depth to the chili base.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta and create a rich, savory sauce. Vegetable broth can be used for a beef-free version.
- Red Bell Pepper: Fresh, diced red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color, as well as essential nutrients and a pleasant texture.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef, ideally 85/15 or 90/10. This ensures a flavorful base without excessive grease, keeping your chili mac hearty but not overly oily.
- Olive Oil: A light-flavored olive oil is perfect for sautéing your aromatics and browning the beef, adding a subtle richness.
- Shredded Cheese: For ultimate cheesiness, a blend of shredded Mexican cheese is excellent, or you can use Colby Jack or sharp cheddar. A combination of cheeses often yields the best flavor and melt.
- Red Kidney Beans: Canned red kidney beans (14 oz.), preferably reduced-sodium, add a satisfying texture and classic chili component. Ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding.
- Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro is an optional but highly recommended garnish. It adds a burst of freshness and brightens the overall flavor profile of your finished chili mac.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Creating this flavorful Chili Mac and Cheese is surprisingly simple, thanks to its one-pot design. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by placing a large skillet or a sturdy pot over high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Introduce the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes wonderfully tender and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Next, add the minced fresh garlic and continue to sauté for just one more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Beef and Bell Pepper: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer shows any pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being overly oily. Now, sprinkle in your chili seasoning, chili powder, salt, and cumin powder. Stir well, allowing the spices to toast lightly with the meat for about a minute, enhancing their aroma and flavor. Finally, add the diced red bell pepper. Mix it thoroughly with the seasoned meat mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the bell pepper to soften slightly.
- Integrate Remaining Ingredients and Cook Pasta: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, canned green chilies, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the savory ingredients. Next, add the dry elbow pasta to the liquid, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Stir once more to prevent the pasta from sticking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the pasta to cook for 5 minutes. After this initial cook time, lift the lid and stir in the drained and rinsed red kidney beans. Cover again and continue to cook for another 7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Cheese and Melt: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the lid. Stir in half of your shredded cheese, mixing gently until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. This creates a beautifully cheesy base. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese over the top of the dish. Reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pot with the lid, and let the cheese melt for just a couple of minutes until it’s bubbly and gooey. As soon as the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your freshly made Chili Mac and Cheese with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy, and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Chili Mac and Cheese
Elevate your Chili Mac and Cheese with these expert tips and variations:
- Bell Pepper Versatility: While red bell pepper adds sweetness, feel free to swap it for any other color bell pepper you have on hand. Green bell pepper will offer a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor, while yellow or orange will be sweeter.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. For an even bolder kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the aromatics.
- Protein Swaps: The ground beef in this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute it with other ground meats like ground chicken, ground turkey, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground meat alternatives or increase the amount of beans.
- The Cheese Factor: For the ultimate creamy melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly and result in a slightly grainy texture. Running a block of cheese through a food processor grater attachment makes quick work of this! Consider a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of smoked gouda for complex flavor.
- Pot Size Matters: To ensure all ingredients cook evenly and fit comfortably, use a large enough pot or skillet. A 5-quart capacity pot is the minimum recommended size for this recipe. A wider, shallower skillet can also work well, allowing for more surface area for the sauce to reduce.
- Topping Perfection: This chili mac is fantastic on its own, but toppings can take it to the next level! Get creative with your favorites: sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Any topping you’d typically enjoy with chili will complement this dish beautifully.
- Pasta Alternatives: While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini can be used. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
- Adding More Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding a cup of frozen corn or black beans (drained and rinsed) along with the kidney beans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Mac and Cheese
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this chili mac recipe for future enjoyment! Once it has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Leftover chili mac stores wonderfully. Allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat portions in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might want to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
While this Chili Mac and Cheese is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, you can certainly enhance it with a few complementary sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, or try one of these fantastic options: our Crispy Air Fryer French Fries, savory Roasted Garlic Bread, irresistible Cheesy Pesto Breadsticks, fragrant Garlic Butter Mushrooms, or our unique Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian chili mac, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with an additional can of beans (such as black beans or pinto beans), or a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini or corn. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If your chili mac sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick after cooking or reheating, stir in a splash of chicken or vegetable broth (or water) until it reaches your desired consistency.
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We truly hope you enjoy all the recipes we share, especially this incredibly delicious Homemade Chili Mac and Cheese. It’s a dish we’re confident will become a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation. We encourage you to give it a try, savor every bite, and share your experience!
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Easy Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow pasta, 2 cups dry
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14 oz., petite diced
- 1 pack chili seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3 tsp. cumin powder
- 1 can green chili pepper, 4.5 oz.
- 1¼ cup yellow onion, 1 medium size
- 4 large cloves garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup red bell pepper, petite diced
- 1 lb. ground beef, lean
- 2 tbsps. olive oil, light tasting
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, or colby jack or cheddar
- 1 can red kidney beans, 14 oz.
- cilantro, chopped, optional for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large skillet or pot over high heat and add in the oil. Add in the onion and sauté until tender and translucent in color. Add in the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add in the ground beef and sauté until cooked and no longer pink. Add in the spices, salt and sauté for another minute. Then add in the red bell pepper. Mix together with the meat mixture and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Add in the tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix and then add in the pasta. Give it another mix, then cover the skillet. Bring the heat down to medium-low and allow the pasta to cook for 5 minutes. Open the pot and add in the drained beans. Stir and cover to cook for another 7 minutes.
- Open the lid and stir in half of the cheese. Mix to combine well. Then top the dish with the other half of the cheese. Turn the heat to low and cover with the lid to allow the cheese to melt. Once it melts remove pot from heat. Takes just a couple of minutes.
- Top with some fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Feel free to change the red bell peppers to any type of bell pepper.
- If you want to make this spicier, you can add some cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- You can swap the ground beef for any other types of ground meats like ground chicken, ground turkey, etc.
- Shredded your own cheese will give you the best results. Pre-shredded cheese has a dusting on them to keep them from clumping so it doesn’t melt as smoothly. Shred your own cheese by running a block of cheese through a food processor.
- Be sure to use a large enough pot so everything fits! At the minimum, your pot should be 5 QTs.
- Top this with whatever you desire! Avocado, fresh herbs, chips, and more. Any topping you use for chili will go well with this chili mac recipe.
Nutrition
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