The Ultimate Comfort: Easy Chili Mac Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful chili mac brings comfort and excitement to your weeknight dinner routine.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple one-pot wonder.

Pasta and ground beef create a robust foundation for flavor lovers.

Cheese melts into every nook, promising a creamy texture that satisfies deeply.

Spices dance through the dish, offering warmth and complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together during busy evenings.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant classic in your culinary repertoire.

Dive into a bowl that promises pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Why Easy Chili Mac Is A Family Favorite

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Prepare a hearty, warming meal that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with exciting add-ins like crispy bacon, rich dark chocolate, or a splash of beer to make this chili uniquely yours.
• Family Feast Champion: This crowd-pleasing dish serves multiple people, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple steps and basic ingredients mean even novice cooks can confidently create a delicious, restaurant-quality chili without stress or complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Easy Chili Mac

• Ground Beef or Plant-Based Meat: A protein-rich base that adds heartiness and flavor to the chili mac.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that provides a comforting and filling foundation for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, tanginess, and a fresh tomato flavor to the recipe.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: A blend of spices that creates a warm, robust, and slightly smoky flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful base and add depth to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, smooth tomato flavor and helps create a cohesive sauce.
• Beans: Adds extra protein, texture, and nutritional value to the chili mac.
• Broth: Helps cook the pasta and creates a moist, flavorful base for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, tangy topping that brings the entire dish together.

How To Make Easy Chili Mac

Step 1: Sizzle Veggie Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef or plant-based meat alternative to the pot.

Cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles. If using beef, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beans
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing spices to bloom and blend harmoniously.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Pour in macaroni and broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally.

Cook until pasta reaches tender perfection and liquid gets fully absorbed.

Step 5: Melt and Merge Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the pot.

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, dreamy texture that coats every morsel.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer chili mac to serving bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like chopped green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese. Enjoy piping hot and savor every comforting bite!

Pro Tips For Perfect Easy Chili Mac

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that maintains the dish's hearty flavor.
• Choose whole wheat macaroni to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the chili mac.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding a dash of cayenne for heat-seekers.
• Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and improve overall digestibility.
• Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or Greek yogurt for added freshness and texture contrast.

Flavor Variations For Easy Chili Mac

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder, add jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap ground beef for lamb, use oregano instead of chili powder, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Use quinoa instead of macaroni, add roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and mix in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Blast: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in buffalo sauce, and garnish with blue cheese crumbles and green onions.

Serving Ideas For Easy Chili Mac

• Pile the chili mac into deep ceramic bowls for a rustic, comforting meal. Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top for a melty, indulgent touch.
• Transform the dish by adding fresh toppings like diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Squeeze fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy kick.
• Pack cooled chili mac in meal prep containers for an easy work or school lunch. Add a small side salad or fresh vegetables to balance the hearty main dish.

How To Store Easy Chili Mac Properly

• Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled chili mac to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen chili mac in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Divide chili mac into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunches during the week.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili mac vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

• What type of beans work best in this recipe?

Kidney beans or black beans are perfect, but you can also use pinto beans for variety and extra flavor.

• How spicy is this chili mac?

The recipe is mild, but you can adjust heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta and mild spices make it a great meal that children typically enjoy, and you can customize toppings to suit their taste.

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic chili mac combines hearty pasta with spicy ground beef for a comforting one-pot meal. Cheese-topped and quick to prepare, this dish delivers robust flavors you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based ground meat
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil for sauteing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings: Sliced green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground protein and cook thoroughly, breaking into crumbly pieces until achieving a deep brown color and eliminating any excess grease.
3. Cascade diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and signature spice blend into the pot, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously.
4. Pour broth and macaroni into the mixture, raising temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering and simmering for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid is nearly completely absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and fold shredded cheddar cheese into the chili mac, stirring until cheese completely melts and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
6. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, or additional cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein richness.
• Select short pasta shapes like shells or rotini to hold sauce better and create more delicious bites.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne pepper gradually for personalized heat intensity.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time, making this a quick weeknight meal solution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg