Cozy Homestyle Chili Mac Recipe: A Heartwarming Comfort Classic

Comfort food takes an exciting twist with this hearty chili mac that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of rich, spicy flavors combine perfectly in one delicious dish.

Pasta and ground beef create a robust meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in under 30 minutes.

Cheese melts into every nook and cranny, delivering intense, savory goodness.

Protein-packed and seriously delicious, this recipe will make you the kitchen hero everyone admires.

Serve it up and watch smiles spread around the table.

Chili Mac – A Hearty and Comforting Meal

• Whip Up Comfort Food: This chili mac delivers hearty, soul-warming flavors that hug your taste buds with every delicious bite.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one pot and straightforward ingredients, this recipe makes dinner preparation quick and stress-free for busy families.
• Customize Your Meal: The recipe offers flexible options like adding extra cheese, choosing different beans, or topping with fresh garnishes to match personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Packed with protein, beans, and cheesy pasta, this dish satisfies both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Chili Mac

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds rich protein to the chili mac.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Classic beans that provide additional protein and texture to the dish.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic flavor base that creates a delicious foundation for the chili mac.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, tanginess, and a slight kick of heat to the recipe.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that gives the dish its signature mac and cheese style.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts perfectly and adds richness to the chili mac.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a deep, complex flavor profile for the chili mac.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavorful base for the recipe.

How to Make Chili Mac Step-by-Step

Step 1: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 2: Layer in Fragrant Ingredients

Add garlic and green bell pepper, stirring until they become wonderfully aromatic and slightly softened.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with a rich, robust seasoning.

Step 5: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Kidney beans
• Black beans

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Stir in elbow macaroni and continue cooking until the pasta becomes tender and perfectly al dente, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Step 8: Create Creamy Finish

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the steaming chili mac into bowls.

Top with extra cheese or your favorite garnishes for an extra flavor punch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chili Mac

• Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers first to build a robust flavor base before adding ground beef.
• Break ground beef into small pieces while cooking to achieve a uniform, tender consistency.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin according to personal heat preference.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent overcooking and ensure smooth, creamy texture.

Variations to Change Up Your Chili Mac

• Vegetarian Bean Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like pinto and lentils for protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Chili Mac: Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or corn to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot chili powder, and incorporating pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili Mac: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Chili Mac

• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty chili mac with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add freshness to your plate.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips on top for extra texture and zesty flavor punch.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual bread bowls or alongside cornbread for a satisfying meal that will make everyone at your gathering happy and well-fed.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers and enjoy the next day, as the flavors will deepen and become even more delicious after sitting overnight.

How to Store Chili Mac Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled chili mac to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild chili powder or reducing the amount to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this chili mac recipe. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly to the same browned consistency as ground beef.

• Do I need to drain the beans before adding?

Yes, rinse and drain the kidney and black beans to remove excess sodium and starch. This helps improve the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

• What if I don't have elbow macaroni?

No problem! You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cooking time similar to ensure the pasta is cooked perfectly.

Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chili mac delivers a comforting blend of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. Midwest home cooks will appreciate this one-pot wonder that satisfies with robust flavors and easy preparation. You can enjoy this classic dish in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and chopped green bell peppers, cooking until aromatic and slightly softened, around 2 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans, mixing ingredients completely.
6. Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
7. Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, cooking uncovered until pasta reaches al dente consistency, approximately 10-14 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions for enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or spicy green chilies for personalized flavor intensity.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian alternatives that maintain robust taste.
• Control sodium content by using low-sodium broth and checking canned bean salt levels to create a heart-healthy version.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing this one-pot dish in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop more deeply.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg