Creamy & Spicy Easy Chili Mac Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Chili mac burst onto my dinner table as a lifesaver during hectic weeknights.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot wonder that combines hearty pasta with spicy ground beef.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies alike can master this dish in under thirty minutes.

Pantry staples like kidney beans, pasta, and ground beef create a satisfying meal everyone loves.

Rich tomato sauce and zesty spices give this classic dish its irresistible kick.

Why Easy Chili Mac Is a Comfort Food Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a heartwarming dish that combines the rich, spicy flavors of chili with creamy, cheesy mac for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights, this recipe satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that brings together chili and mac and cheese in a single, delicious casserole that's both filling and fun.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Maximize your ingredients with an affordable recipe that stretches ground beef and pantry staples into a hearty meal that feeds a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Easy Chili Mac

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the chili and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Kidney Beans: A classic chili ingredient that provides additional protein and texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that creates a creamy and tangy cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency in the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides a rich base for making the cheese sauce.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the chili.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herb flavor.

• Macaroni: The pasta base that provides a comforting texture to the dish.
• Chili Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the chili its signature flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste, Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy tomato base for the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.

• Mustard Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Hot Sauce: A combination of spices that add complexity and heat to the dish.

Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.

How to Prepare Easy Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbly.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

• Chili seasoning
• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Add Hearty Beans

Toss in kidney beans and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

The beans will absorb all the wonderful spices and become tender.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and cook for one minute to create a smooth roux.

Step 6: Create Sauce Base

Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk.

• Mustard powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce

Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 7: Incorporate Cheese

Stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Boil macaroni according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Mix the cooked macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce until every noodle is perfectly coated.

Step 10: Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 350F (175C).

Combine the prepared chili with the cheesy macaroni in a baking dish.

Step 11: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese becomes melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Creamy Easy Chili Mac

• Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Adjust hot sauce and chili seasoning to match your personal heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Slightly undercook macaroni during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven to maintain perfect texture.
• Whisk cream and milk gradually into butter-flour mixture to create a silky, lump-free cheese sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust.

Flavor Variations for Easy Chili Mac

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken cheese sauce. Ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Include a dash of cayenne pepper and chipotle powder for extra heat. Top with sliced jalapeños before baking.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream and cream cheese for a rich sauce. Reduce beans to lower carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Mac

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chili mac with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Tex-Mex Sidekick Feast: Pair with warm cornbread, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños to amp up the southwestern flavors and add extra texture.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Top with crushed tortilla chips, diced green onions, and a dollop of guacamole for a crowd-winning presentation that's perfect for sports gatherings or casual parties.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and a dash of hot sauce on top to elevate the dish and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor that'll make taste buds dance.

Storing Leftover Easy Chili Mac

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled chili mac to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chili mac in baking dish, splash few tablespoons water or milk to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring midway for even heating.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili seasoning and hot sauce you use. You can control the spiciness by adjusting these ingredients or using mild versions.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni works best, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure the pasta shape holds the cheese sauce well.

• Do I need to use heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides richness, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce might be slightly less creamy but still delicious.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids enjoy the cheesy mac and mild chili combination. You can further reduce spice levels by choosing mild seasonings to make it more child-friendly.

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Chili Mac combines classic comfort with zesty southwestern flavors, creating a quick one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Cheesy pasta mingled with seasoned ground beef delivers a satisfying dinner that brings family together around the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (lb.) ground beef, 80% lean
• 1 15 ounces (oz.) can kidney beans, drained
• 1.25 ounces (oz.) packet chili seasoning mix

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, diced

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 ounces (oz.) tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces (oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, ensuring complete meat crumbling and draining off excess fat.
2. Introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together during a 10-minute simmer.
4. Fold in kidney beans and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
5. Simultaneously prepare macaroni according to package directions, draining and reserving pasta for later integration.
6. Create cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan, whisking in flour and cooking for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
7. Gradually stream heavy cream and milk into the roux, adding mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce while continuously stirring.
8. Maintain medium heat, stirring consistently until sauce thickens and becomes smooth, then incorporate cheddar cheese until completely melted.
9. Gently fold cooked macaroni into prepared cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
10. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) while combining chili and mac and cheese mixtures.
11. Transfer combined mixture to a baking dish, generously topping with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
13. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

• Boost flavor by using a mix of ground beef and spicy sausage for extra depth and richness.
• Reduce carbs by substituting macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or diced chicken to make the dish more nutritionally balanced.
• Prep ahead by making chili and cheese sauce separately, then combining and baking just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg