There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty meal that brings the family together, and that’s exactly what my Chili Mac does! This dish is a delightful blend of ground beef, beans, and cheese, all wrapped up in a cozy pasta embrace. If you’re looking for easy pasta recipes that can be whipped up in no time, then you’re in for a treat! Not only is this Chili Mac a crowd-pleaser, but it also makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner idea that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, cheesy flavor that even picky eaters will love.
- Versatile ingredients that you can easily customize.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Chili Mac, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- ½ cup bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (diced)
- 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix (see notes for homemade seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ½ cup chicken broth (can sub beef broth)
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon each: salt/pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Chili Mac:
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the kidney beans and uncooked macaroni. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the pot with the Chili Mac and stir until everything is well combined.
- Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Chili Mac turns out perfectly:
- For a little extra kick, add more hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms.
- Feel free to use any type of cheese you love—Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist!
- Make it a fun crockpot dinner by preparing it in your slow cooker. Just brown the beef and then add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How to Serve
This Chili Mac is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your meal, consider serving it with:
- A side of cheesy broccoli for a nutritious boost.
- Warm garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- A fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- For dessert, why not try a slice of coconut cake with pineapple filling? It’s a delightful way to end the meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chili Mac is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat!
So there you have it! A delicious, hearty Chili Mac that’s perfect for quick family dinners and sure to become a staple in your home. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Chili Mac
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 0.5 cup bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (diced)
- 1.25 oz packet chili seasoning mix see notes for homemade seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 0.5 cup chicken broth (can sub beef broth)
- 1 can 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add heavy cream and milk to make a béchamel sauce.
- Combine the meat mixture, cooked macaroni, and béchamel sauce; stir in shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce. Serve garnished with parsley.