Cheesy Chili Mac: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

When hunger strikes, cheesy chili mac swoops in like a delicious superhero to rescue your taste buds from bland meal monotony.

comfort arrives with a bubbling skillet of cheesy goodness that hugs your soul.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish promises pure satisfaction in every single bite.

Spicy chili mingles perfectly with creamy cheese, creating a magical combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got infinitely more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Families and friends will devour this meal faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Dive into a world where simplicity meets incredible taste.

Why Cheesy Chili Mac Is a Must-Make

• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills.
• Flexible recipe lets you adjust spice levels, swap protein options, or add favorite toppings, making it perfect for personalized family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness, this one-pot wonder will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, ensuring no leftovers behind.

Ingredients in Cheesy Chili Mac

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the chili and cheese sauce.
• Ground Beef: The hearty base that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Chili Beans: Provides additional protein and authentic chili texture.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Create a complex and warming spice blend that gives depth to the chili.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melt into a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta and chili.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and robust tomato foundation for the chili.
• Milk, Cream: Create a smooth and luxurious base for the cheese sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Add foundational flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Help develop flavors and create a smooth cooking process.
• Beef Broth: Adds additional depth and moisture to the chili.

• Sour Cream, Green Onions, Extra Cheese: Provide optional toppings for personalization.

How to Prepare Cheesy Chili Mac

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Get a pot of water rolling and cook elbow macaroni until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for cheesy magic.

Step 2: Build Flavor-Packed Chili

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking into delicious crumbles.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili beans

Pour in broth and let simmer, allowing flavors to dance together for 10-12 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a silky roux.

Gradually pour milk and cream, whisking until luxuriously smooth.

Let sauce thicken for 4-5 minutes.

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Chili

Combine cooked macaroni with hearty chili.

Pour cheese sauce over top, stirring until every pasta piece is gloriously coated.

Warm gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Dish out steaming chili cheese pasta.

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese sprinkle

Enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Tips for Cheesy Chili Mac You’ll Love

• Boil elbow macaroni exactly to al dente for perfect texture, ensuring it doesn't become mushy when mixed with chili.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder gradually to control heat level, allowing you to customize spiciness for different taste preferences.
• Whisk milk and cream slowly into roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheese sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Let chili simmer thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste before combining with pasta and cheese sauce for maximum deliciousness.

Storing and Warming Cheesy Chili Mac

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Separate pasta and sauce if possible to maintain better texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or broth to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.
• Pour into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Warm slowly until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What to Serve with Cheesy Chili Mac

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the hearty, spicy chili mac with their bold flavor profiles and tannic structure.
• Refresh with Cold Beer Companion: Crisp lager or amber ale cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Balance with Bright Salad Side: Crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a light, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, creamy chili mac, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Quick-pickled jalapeños or tangy cucumber pickles add bright, zesty notes that enhance the dish's complex flavor layers and provide textural contrast.

Easy Swaps for Cheesy Chili Mac

• Gluten-Free Mac Blast: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni or chickpea pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour for cheese sauce thickening.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Chili Skillet: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use less beans and more protein to maintain hearty flavors while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess in sauce preparation.

FAQs

• Is chili mac a healthy dish?

While delicious, chili mac is a comfort food high in calories and fat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to control the heat level. For mild, use less spice; for extra kick, add more cayenne or include diced jalapeños.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use ground chicken for a different flavor profile. Each meat brings its own unique taste to the dish.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment required! You’ll just need a large skillet, a saucepan for the cheese sauce, and basic cooking utensils like a wooden spoon and whisk.

Cheesy Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy and comforting, chili mac delivers hearty southwestern flavors in one skillet wonder. Melted cheese, spicy ground beef, and tender pasta blend into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hungry families with bold, zesty goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chili beans, drained and rinsed

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces (227 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly. Introduce ground beef, browning completely while breaking into small fragments. Eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate spices into meat mixture: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Blend tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili beans. Pour broth and allow mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, developing rich flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Create cheese sauce in separate pan by melting butter. Whisk flour and cook momentarily. Gradually introduce milk and cream, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta with chili mixture, ensuring even distribution. Pour cheese sauce over top, gently stirring to coat thoroughly. Warm on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
6. Transfer to serving dishes. Embellish with optional garnishes like sour cream, chopped green onions, or additional cheese as desired.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and delicious.
• Dial down the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, perfect for those who prefer less heat in their dishes.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini directly into the chili for extra vegetables and texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch in the cheese sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg