Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty combination of savory chili and creamy macaroni that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and warm. This one-pot dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even meal prep. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with protein, making it a balanced meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

With roots in classic chili recipes and macaroni casseroles, this hybrid dish combines the best of both worlds. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make this family-favorite recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this a go-to recipe for busy days.
2. Customizable: Adjust the spice level, type of cheese, or even protein to fit your needs.
3. Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and can be stored for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will enjoy the comforting flavors of Chili Mac.

Step 1: Prepare the Chili

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
4. Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

1. Add the Pasta: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the chili. Add 1 cup of water and mix well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
2. Simmer and Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the macaroni cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too thick or the pasta isn’t fully cooked, add a bit more water as needed.
3. Check the Texture: Once the pasta is tender, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

1. Melt the Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the pot for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate It Up: Spoon the Chili Mac into bowls.
2. Add Toppings: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, jalapeño slices, and crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
3. Serve Hot: Enjoy this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Cheese: Sharp cheddar works well because it melts beautifully and adds a tangy flavor. However, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend are also great options.
2. Monitor the Pasta: Since the macaroni cooks directly in the chili, keep an eye on the liquid levels. Add more broth or water as needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pot.
3. Boost the Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of hot sauce can enhance the dish’s depth and complexity.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onion, and bell pepper provide the best flavor base for your chili.
5. Make It Spicier: For those who love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Chili Mac: Skip the meat and use plant-based ground meat or additional beans like pinto or chickpeas.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
3. Healthier Version: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
4. Loaded Chili Mac: Stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or roasted veggies for an extra hearty twist.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Mac is versatile and can be paired with several side dishes or toppings:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the chili.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the smoky and savory notes of the chili.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy bite to your meal with pickled jalapeños or onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the pasta to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked pasta before serving.
2. What type of pasta works best?
   Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells, penne, or rotini also work well in this recipe.
3. Can I use canned chili for this recipe?
   If you’re short on time, canned chili can be used as a shortcut. Combine it with cooked macaroni and cheese for a quick version.
4. Is this dish spicy?
   The spice level is mild, but you can easily increase the heat with extra cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Chili Mac recipe is everything you need in a comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So why wait? Whip up a batch of Chili Mac today and experience the joy of a dish that warms both the heart and soul!

Yield: 6

Chili Mac Recipe

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Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty combination of savory chili and creamy macaroni that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and warm. This one-pot dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even meal prep. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with protein, making it a balanced meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Aromatics and Ground Meat

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Seasonings and Liquids

• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
• Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, kidney beans, and frozen corn (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Cook the Pasta

• Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add Cheese

• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Serve

• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
• Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

• Customize the Heat: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chili mac.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with an additional can of beans or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth.