Posted in🍽️ Daily Recipes

Chili Mac Recipe

 Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty blend of chili and macaroni that combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese in one warming dish. It’s rich, cheesy, and filling — perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings

  • Serves 4 to 6

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat:

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add Onion and Garlic:

    Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. Add Seasonings and Sauce:

    Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat.

  4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth:

    Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add the kidney beans and stir everything together.

  5. Cook the Pasta:

    Add the uncooked macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

  6. Add Cheese:

    Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

  7. Serve:

    Spoon into bowls and top with extra cheese, green onions, or sour cream if you like.

Tips

  • For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  • You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.

  • Leftovers taste even better the next day — just add a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 480

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Fiber: 7g

Chili Mac brings together the best of two favorites — the bold taste of chili and the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese — in one satisfying bowl.

Related Posts: