Chili Mac is a one-pot meal that mixes two comfort food favorites: chili and mac and cheese!
AUTHOR’S NOTE
The Easiest Chili Mac Recipe for Busy Weeknights!
I grew up eating the boxed version of Hamburger Helper, and while it was nostalgic, it never tasted quite as good as I remembered. Plus, the ingredient list was a little longer than I wanted for something I’m serving my family. So, I set out to recreate those same nostalgic flavors in a fresher, from-scratch way.
I wanted my kids to have that same fun, cheesy chili meets mac and cheese, but with real ingredients and no artificial aftertaste. After lots of testing (and more than a few very happy taste-test nights), this Chili Mac recipe was born. Now it has become a weeknight staple in my house, and my kids ask for it almost weekly.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps / Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can even try half beef and half sausage for extra flavor. |
| Elbow Pasta | Any short pasta works (penne, shells, rotini). Stick to something that cooks in 8–10 minutes. |
| Chili Beans | Pinto beans in chili sauce are a reliable, but kidney beans or black beans work too. Rinse if using plain canned beans. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Extra-sharp cheddar gives the best punch of flavor. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are great swaps. Always shred your own for better melt. |
| Chicken Broth | Beef broth makes it richer, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly (if swapping out the meat). |
How To Make Chili Mac
- Cook base: Heat oil in a pot. Add onion and sauté. Add ground beef and cook.
- Season: mix in garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Cook until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta. Cover and cook.
- Add cheese: Stir half the cheese into the pot, then sprinkle the rest on top. Cover for a few minutes to let it melt.
- Serve: Add toppings and enjoy!
What To Serve With Chili Mac
- Simple garden salad: A light, fresh side to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread: Toasty, buttery slices for dipping into the sauce.
- Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, reliable for soaking up extra sauce.
- Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips to add texture or scoop up bites.
Storage
Chili Mac is best enjoyed fresh. The pasta absorbs more liquid as it sits and can get a bit mushy.
More straightforward One-Pot Recipes:
Pasta And Pizza
Chicken Orzo Recipe (One Pot!)
Dinner
One Pot Spaghetti
Dinner
ONE POT Curry Chicken and Rice
Dinner
Taco Spaghetti (ONE POT!)
