If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines the irresistible creaminess of cheese with the bold flavors of chili, this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish masterfully blends tender elbow macaroni with savory ground meat, robust tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices, all smothered in melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s an easy, one-pot dinner that delivers big on flavor and coziness, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying crowd-pleaser.

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating balance—whether it’s the hearty meat for protein, the spices for warmth and depth, or the cheeses for that luxurious gooey finish.

Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the base of the dish.
Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when softened.
Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the chili spices beautifully.
Ground beef or turkey: The primary protein that makes the dish hearty and fulfilling.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a rich, velvety texture.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide juiciness and freshness to balance the dish.
Kidney beans or black beans: Bring extra protein and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Chili powder: Essential for that classic chili flavor and a mild spicy kick.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth to enhance the chili profile.
Paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and color.
Salt: Enhances all the wonderful flavors and rounds out the seasoning.
Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The classic pasta shape that holds onto all the saucy goodness.
Beef or chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and infuses the dish with savory notes.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings sharpness and that signature cheesy pull.
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Adds creaminess and a mild flavor to balance the cheddar.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Fresh, bright garnish to lift the flavors and add color.

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat

To start your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent—this step builds the flavor base. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it. Then add your choice of ground beef or turkey, cooking while breaking it apart until it’s browned and fully cooked. This layering of flavors is what makes the dish taste so deeply satisfying.

Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste, Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices

Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste to coat everything evenly; this concentrates the tomato flavor. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes and the drained beans for texture and heartiness. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt to season the mix perfectly. This combination of spices creates that signature chili flavor that pairs impeccably with the cheesy pasta to come.

Step 3: Incorporate the Macaroni and Broth, then Simmer

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot, followed by the beef or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring it all up to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. During this time, the macaroni softens and absorbs the flavorful broth. Keep an eye on the texture to ensure the pasta is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese until Melty and Creamy

Turn off the heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the pot. Stir vigorously until the cheeses melt completely into the hot chili and pasta mixture, creating a luscious, creamy texture that makes this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe extra comforting. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe even further, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top just before serving. These garnishes add a fresh burst of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chili, making each bite feel balanced and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or crunchy garlic bread can bring textural contrast and freshness to the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect way to lighten things up, while garlic bread adds an indulgent touch for cheddar cheese lovers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, family-friendly twist, serve the Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly. You can also try layering it in a casserole dish with extra beans and cheese, then bake it for a deliciously crispy top crust. Either way, presentation adds to the joy of sharing this comforting classic with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty. When storing, be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and safety.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for busy days, the Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top as the dish may expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing might slightly change the cheese texture, but reheating with a splash of broth or milk brings it right back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the Chili Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Adding a bit of broth, milk, or water will help restore the creamy consistency if the pasta has absorbed too much moisture. This approach ensures every bite stays deliciously cheesy and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, shells, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since different shapes may cook faster or slower.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans to maintain protein. Just sauté your veggies as usual and proceed with the rest of the recipe for a delicious veggie-friendly version.

How spicy is the Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?

This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to chili powder and paprika. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this in advance and reheat later?

Definitely! This is a perfect recipe to make ahead and reheat. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer, and add a splash of broth or milk when warming it up to keep it creamy and delicious.

What cheeses work best for Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal for meltability and flavor balance. However, feel free to use other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Colby, or pepper jack for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe enough—it’s truly the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger in one glorious bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy solo, this recipe delivers on flavor, ease, and comforting goodness. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 81 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal combining hearty chili flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta. Featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or turkey

Spices and Seasonings

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish (optional)

Chopped green onions or parsley

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned throughout, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and cooking.
Add Tomato Paste and Chili Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, drained beans, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the beef or chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly in the pot.
Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Incorporate Cheeses: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
Rest and Serve: Let the chili mac and cheese sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the heat by using your favorite chili seasoning blend or adding hot sauce for extra spice.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated—simply add a splash of broth or milk while warming to loosen the sauce if it becomes thick.
Chili Mac and Cheese freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American