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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes/ Casseroles

Chili Mac and Cheese

Published: Dec 22, 2022 · Modified: Mar 17, 2023 by Marisa Franca

Jump to Recipe
Pinterest image with title overlay of Chili Mac and Cheese with two bowls filled with the ground beef chili mixed with cheese macaroni.

Chili Mac and Cheese combines two classic comfort foods - chili and classic macaroni and cheese! This hearty meal is a one-pot recipe that can be enjoyed as a satisfying family meal or shared at the next potluck.

A spoon in a big bowl of chili macaroni and cheese with another bowl in the background.
This homemade comfort food is brimming with flavor and it's the ideal recipe that our family loves on a cold day.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why I love this recipe
  • 🛒 Ingredients
  • 🗒 Instructions
  • 🔪 Equipment
  • 🤔 FAQs
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Tips
  • 📚 Variations
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📗 Related Recipes
  • 🍽 Serve with
  • 📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
  • 📝 Recipe Card
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why I love this recipe

  • Chili Mac and Cheese is our crowd-pleasing dish - perfect for lunch or dinner. 
  • I can assemble this recipe and cook it in one large pot or pan, making the cooking process simple and convenient.
  • Chili mac and cheese is budget-friendly without compromising on flavor. It offers a balance of carbs, meat, and veggies.

This easy Macaroni and Cheese with Chili is delicious comfort food perfect for the colder months of the year, satisfying those mac and cheese cravings!

🛒 Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Image of the ingredients needed to make the macaroni with chili and cheese.

Note: The full list of this Ground Beef Macaroni and Cheese recipe ingredients with their amounts and options are listed in the recipe card below.

  • macaroni pasta -- use any small shell pasta you like.

🗒 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

Collage of the first four steps to making the Chili macaroni and cheese.
  1. Cook the pasta al dente, drain and set aside. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Saute the onions until transparent, and then add the green peppers and garlic for an additional minute.
  3. Brown the beef, breaking up any big chunks.
  4. Add the spices and salt and mix through the beef.
Collage of the second set of four steps to making the macaroni and cheese one pot dinner with chili.
  1. Add the crushed tomatoes.
  2. Add the tomato puree, tomato paste, broth, and beans. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Fold the cooked pasta into the meaty mixture while preheating the oven broiler (or grill) on medium heat.
  4. Top the dish with grated cheese and transfer to the oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro, and serve with sour cream (optional).

🔪 Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

  • pasta pot
  • Dutch Oven or heavy bottom skillet
  • measuring spoons
  • liquid measuring cup
  • dry measuring cup
  • sharp knife
One pot chili mac and cheese topped with jalapeno slices and chopped Roma tomatoes.
This incredible handy one-pot family dinner is one the table in 30 minutes.

🤔 FAQs

These are the questions we are most frequently asked about making this Chili Mac recipe.

Is goulash and chili mac the same thing?

The two dishes are very similar, consisting of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. American goulash, however, doesn’t include an ingredient such as beans which is a staple for chili mac recipes.

Why is it called chili mac?

According to the author Dann Woellert, who wrote “The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili,” ‘chili mac’ was first served in 1922 in The Kirajleff's restaurant. The dish consisted of chili served over spaghetti and was called ‘chili mac’.

Is chili good with cheese?

Yes! Cheese adds a creamy texture and loads of flavor.

What mixes well with mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese is an incredibly versatile dish. Add bacon, shredded chicken, buttery cracker crumbs, and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, and onions).

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheese from a block of cheese, not pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese usually contains an artificial coating to extend its shelf life, preventing the cheese from melting well and affecting the taste. 
  • Pasta usually takes around 8 minutes to cook through, but I usually shave off a minute or 2 to achieve al dente pasta so that by the time the semi-cooked pasta has been added to the chili mac and placed under the broiler in the oven, it’s not overcooked. 
  • Always allow any leftovers to cool down completely before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. 
  • This dish is perfect for using leftover chili you’ve made previously! For this dish, you’ll need about 4 cups to mix with the pasta.

📚 Variations

  • Instead of ground beef, use ground chicken, ground pork, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken. 
  • I’ve used elbow macaroni pasta in this recipe, but you can use various other noodles that you prefer to cook. 
  • The beans add bulk to this meal and also tie in well with the Mexican cuisine influence. Feel free to use a different type of bean or add other veggies, such as corn and mushrooms. 
  • Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese are great toppings for this chili mac. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend would also work.
  • Add a sprinkling of crushed breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the assembled chili mac and cheese.
A serving spoon overflowing with chili mac and cheese a one pot dinner.
Everything you love about chili and mac and cheese combines to make a tasty meal that everyone enjoys.

🥫 Storage

Store leftover chili mac and cheese in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. 

This dish can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven, covered with aluminum foil, so the cheese doesn’t burn.

📗 Related Recipes

If you love the delicious mixture of meat and pasta like this Chili Mac and Cheese, make sure to add the following recipes to your dinner menu too:

  • Easy Goulash Recipe - This Americanized version of a classic goulash is made with ground beef, macaroni, marinara sauce, cheese, and aromatic veggies.
  • Tuna Mac And Cheese - A delicious Southwest twist is added to this dish, loaded with tuna, black beans, and taco seasoning with shredded cheddar and crushed tortilla chips topping!
  • Ziti Al Forno - A 3-cheese classic Italian baked pasta casserole that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, any time of the year!

🍽 Serve with

I love to garnish my chili mac and cheese with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro and then serve it with sour cream and a side of garlic bread. It’s also hearty and comforting enough to enjoy as is!

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

It’s no secret that on-pot meals are my favorite! Besides the convenience, this Chili Mac and Cheese is incredibly comforting, satisfying, and full of mouth-watering flavors. Don’t expect any leftovers with this dish!

If I want any gathering to be a success, all it takes is the introduction of taco seasoning. Our Baked Taco Dip with Hamburger is always a winner and there is never any leftover.

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

Overhead view of two white bowls filled with a Chili Mac and Cheese garnished with jalapenos and diced tomatoes with cornbread on the side.
This Chili Mac recipe is a family favorite that we love serving during busy nights when we want to relax and enjoy a no-fuss great meal.

What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.

📝 Recipe Card

Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty mac and cheese, combining classic chili ingredients such as beans and ground beef with macaroni pasta, shredded cheese, and a rich tomato base. Serve this chili mac with various garnishes and a dollop of sour cream.

Another crowd popular bake is our Johnny Marzetti Casserole that combines pasta with ground meat and lots of delicious seasonings. See if your family doesn't insist you make this hearty dish often.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

📖 Recipe

A close up of a bowl filled with ground beef chili mac and cheese with jalapeno slices and chopped tomatoes on top.

Easy 30 Minute Chili Mac And Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines hearty chili with comforting mac and cheese! This family friendly one-pot sensation is full of flavor and texture.
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Weeknight dinner
Cuisine: American-Mexican
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 3399kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Pasta pot
  • Dutch Oven or Deep Iron Skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Liquid measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta 250 g. cooked to al dente and drained
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • ½ green pepper seeded and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (500g)
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin adjust to your taste
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder adjust to your liking
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 7 oz crushed tomatoes (200g)
  • 7 oz tomato puree (210g)
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth (250ml)
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 14 oz red kidney beans (400g) drained
  • 7 oz black beans (200g) drained
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded or Monterey Jack shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • sliced jalapeño peppers optional garnish
  • diced Roma tomatoes optional garnish
  • chopped cilantro optional garnish
  • sour cream optional
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta to al dente, drain and set aside.
  • Heat oil in large heavy-based pot (or casserole pot) over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until transparent, then add the green peppers and garlic, sautéing for a further minute until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up any big chunks with the end of your wooden spoon.
    Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika and salt and mix through until beef is fully coated in the seasonings.
  • Mix in the crushed tomatoes along with the juices, tomato puree, broth, tomato paste and beans. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and allow to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens (about 10 minutes).
  • Preheat oven broiler (or grill) on medium heat.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss well to combine. Top with cheese, transfer to oven and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and melted.
  • Garnish with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro (optional). 

Serve with sour cream.

Notes

*The chili can be made up to 2 days ahead . After cooking, allow to cool completely, cover and refrigerate.
**If using leftover chili, you will need 4 cups of cooked chili. Mix it through the cooked pasta, top with cheese and ENJOY!

Nutrition

Calories: 3399kcal | Carbohydrates: 368g | Protein: 238g | Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 50g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 483mg | Sodium: 9319mg | Potassium: 6888mg | Fiber: 69g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 6748IU | Vitamin C: 108mg | Calcium: 1827mg | Iron: 46mg

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    I’m Marisa Franca, a home chef, food writer, and photographer who believes that you can make gourmet quality food at home with simple seasonal ingredients. I’m passionate about family, food, friends, everything Italian, and happy endings.

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