Chili Mac is a one-pot meal that mixes two comfort food favorites: chili and mac and cheese!
AUTHOR’S NOTE
The Easiest Chili Mac Recipe for Busy Weeknights!
I grew up eating the boxed version of Hamburger Helper, and while it was nostalgic, it never tasted quite as good as I remembered. Plus, the ingredient list was a little longer than I wanted for something I’m serving my family. So, I set out to recreate those same nostalgic flavors in a fresher, homemade way.
I wanted my kids to have that same fun, cheesy chili meets mac and cheese, but with real ingredients and no artificial aftertaste. After lots of testing (and more than a few very happy taste-test nights), this Chili Mac recipe was born. Now it has become a weeknight staple in my house, and my kids ask for it almost weekly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps / Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can even try half beef and half sausage for extra flavor. |
| Elbow Pasta | Any short pasta works (penne, shells, rotini). Stick to something that cooks in 8–10 minutes. |
| Chili Beans | Pinto beans in chili sauce are my favorite, but kidney beans or black beans work too. Rinse if using plain canned beans. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Extra-sharp cheddar gives the best punch of flavor. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are great swaps. Always shred your own for better melt. |
| Chicken Broth | Beef broth makes it richer, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly (if swapping out the meat). |
How To Make Chili Mac
- Cook base: Heat oil in a pot. Add onion and sauté. Add ground beef and cook.
- Season: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Cook until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta. Cover and cook.
- Add cheese: Stir half the cheese into the pot, then sprinkle the rest on top. Cover for a few minutes to let it melt.
- Serve: Add toppings and enjoy!
What To Serve With Chili Mac
- Simple garden salad: A light, fresh side to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread: Toasty, buttery slices for dipping into the sauce.
- Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips to add texture or scoop up bites.
Storage
Chili Mac is best enjoyed fresh. The pasta absorbs more liquid as it sits and can get a bit mushy.
More Easy One-Pot Recipes:
Chili Mac
Video
Equipment
- Large pot 6-quart
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 onion
- 1 pound ground beef 93/7
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes see note 1
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1 can (16-ounces) chili beans
- 2 cups freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings see note 2
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick pot over high heat. Add the olive oil and onion, sautéing for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Push the onion to the edges of the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the center of the pan. Let it sear for 1 minute, then use a wooden spoon to break it up and crumble. Cook until mostly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta, and chili beans. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. The mixture will still be slightly saucy but will thicken (see note 3).
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Remove the lid and add your favorite optional toppings. Serve immediately!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was really good! I had previously tried a chili mac recipe from a different site, and it was basically goulash, so I was worried that’s what this would be. This one truly tasted like chili and mac and cheese. The sauce was very flavorful and had a nice, creamy texture. The kids loved it too!
Yay! I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Sarah!
As Chelsea’s employee I have made this recipe and absolutely LOVED it! And it being a One Pot meal is a game changer!