The Ultimate Chili Mac Recipe: A Comfort Food Mashup You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Chili Mac. This delicious meal combines two classic favorites—homemade chili and creamy macaroni and cheese—into one irresistible dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this Chili Mac recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best Chili Mac, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and storage ideas. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac Recipe

• Comfort Food Perfection: Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together in about an hour.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe to suit your taste—add more spice, swap out the beans, or experiment with different cheeses.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes about 18 cups, making it perfect for large families, parties, or meal prep.

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Ingredients for Chili Mac

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chili Mac recipe:

For the Chili:

• 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean): Provides a hearty, meaty base.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and mild sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory flavor.
• 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix: You can use store-bought or make your own (see notes below).
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds richness and depth.
• 8 oz. tomato sauce: Forms the base of the chili.
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and acidity.
• ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth): Keeps the chili moist and flavorful.
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained: Adds protein and fiber.

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
• 1 cup milk: Balances the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Enhances the cheese flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note.
• ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper: For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a hint of heat (optional).
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the cheese sauce.

For Baking:

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: For a gooey, melty topping.
• Fresh parsley, to garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Chili

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers and garlic, cooking until the peppers are softened (about 4 minutes).
3. Season: Add the chili seasoning and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
4. Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let it simmer while you prepare the mac and cheese. Add the drained kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

2. Make the Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

3. Combine the Chili and Macaroni

1. Mix: Gently stir the chili into the mac and cheese. You can add all of the chili or adjust the ratio to your preference.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

4. Bake

1. Bake: Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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The History of Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a beloved dish that combines two classic comfort foods: chili and macaroni and cheese. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when resourceful home cooks began experimenting with ways to stretch their meals and create hearty, satisfying dishes for their families. The dish gained popularity during the Great Depression, as it was an affordable way to feed large families with minimal ingredients. Ground beef, beans, and pasta were staples in many households, and combining them with a flavorful tomato-based sauce created a meal that was both filling and delicious.

Over time, Chili Mac became a staple in American cuisine, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. It was often served in school cafeterias, military mess halls, and family dinners, earning a reputation as a comforting and nostalgic dish. The addition of macaroni and cheese to the chili added a creamy, cheesy element that elevated the dish to new levels of indulgence. Today, Chili Mac is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a popular choice for potlucks, game day gatherings, and weeknight dinners.

The versatility of Chili Mac has also contributed to its enduring popularity. While the classic recipe typically includes ground beef, beans, and a tomato-based sauce, there are countless variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Some versions use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, while others incorporate additional vegetables like corn or zucchini. Vegetarian and vegan versions of Chili Mac have also gained traction, using plant-based proteins and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Despite its humble beginnings, Chili Mac has become a timeless dish that continues to bring people together. Its rich history and adaptability make it a true comfort food classic, and its ability to satisfy even the heartiest appetites ensures that it will remain a favorite for generations to come.

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 Tips for Perfecting Your Chili Mac

Making the perfect Chili Mac requires a balance of flavors, textures, and techniques. Here are some expert tips to help you elevate your dish:

1. Choose the Right Pasta: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for Chili Mac, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. These shapes can hold the chili and cheese sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To avoid mushy macaroni, cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the chili and baked, so slightly undercooking it ensures the perfect texture.
3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability. For the creamiest cheese sauce, shred your cheese from a block. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
4. Layer the Flavors: Building layers of flavor is key to a delicious Chili Mac. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant before adding the ground beef. This step enhances the overall depth of the dish.
5. Simmer the Chili: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and creates a thicker, more concentrated sauce. If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought chili seasoning mix, but making your own blend allows you to control the spice level and customize the taste.
6. Add a Touch of Heat: A small amount of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish without making it overly spicy. The heat balances the richness of the cheese and adds a subtle kick.
7. Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish. You can also top it with sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapeños for extra flair.

By following these tips, you can create a Chili Mac that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

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 Creative Variations of Chili Mac

One of the best things about Chili Mac is its versatility. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meatless ground product. Use a mix of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas, for added protein and texture. For the cheese sauce, opt for a dairy-free alternative made with cashews or store-bought vegan cheese.
2. Spicy Buffalo Chili Mac: Add a bold twist to your Chili Mac by incorporating buffalo sauce into the chili. Use ground chicken or turkey, and mix in a generous amount of buffalo sauce along with the tomato sauce. Top with blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a game-day favorite.
3. Loaded Chili Mac: Turn your Chili Mac into a fully loaded dish by adding toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also mix in corn kernels or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
4. Tex-Mex Chili Mac: Give your Chili Mac a Tex-Mex flair by adding ingredients like corn, black beans, and diced green chilies to the chili. Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for the sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Cheeseburger Chili Mac: Combine the flavors of a cheeseburger with Chili Mac by adding pickles, mustard, and ketchup to the dish. Mix in cooked ground beef, and top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for a fun and unique twist.
6. Gluten-Free Chili Mac: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chili seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free. Thicken the cheese sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

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Homemade Chili Seasoning

If you prefer to make your own chili seasoning, here’s a simple blend:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Chili Mac freezes well. Be sure to slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

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Nutrition Information

This Chili Mac recipe makes approximately 18 cups, with each serving containing:

• Calories: 247 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

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Final Thoughts

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the bold flavors of chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder Chili Mac is a favorite for so many.