Chili mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that combines two beloved classics into one hearty, satisfying dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold, savory flavors of chili – making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something warm and filling.
This dish starts with a simple homemade chili. Ground beef or turkey is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of smoked paprika. The result is a thick, flavorful chili with just the right balance of spice and savory depth.
While the chili simmers, elbow macaroni is cooked until just al dente. Once drained, the pasta is combined with the chili, and here’s where the magic happens — plenty of shredded cheese is stirred in. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend works beautifully too. As the cheese melts, it creates a creamy, gooey sauce that wraps around every bite of pasta and chili.
Some versions take it a step further by transferring the mixture to a casserole dish, topping it with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden on top. This creates an irresistible cheesy crust that makes the dish even more comforting.
Chili mac and cheese is endlessly customizable. Add jalapeños for extra heat, stir in corn for sweetness, or top with green onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for texture. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies to round out the meal. As for drinks, a cold beer, sparkling water with lime, or a glass of Zinfandel pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy flavors.
Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy, chili mac and cheese is the kind of comforting dish that always hits the spot.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained, 15 ounces
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and cover until cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
This was a hit! I love how cheesy it turned out. Perfect for my family dinner.
This recipe is a scam, there’s nothing ‘cheesy’ about it. Just tastes like meat and beans.
I disagree! I found it cheesy and delicious. Maybe you didn’t use enough cheese?
Chili? In mac and cheese? That’s just wrong! How can they even call this a recipe?
Easiest chili mac ever! 10/10 would recommend!
I love how easy this meal is to make. Perfect for busy nights! 👌
Absolutely! It’s so simple and delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner after work!
Isn’t chili supposed to be served with rice? Who puts it with macaroni? 🤨
It was okay, but a bit too spicy for my taste. Maybe I’ll cut back on the chili powder next time.
So easy to make. I little too cheesy for my taste but my kids loved it!
This sounds perfect for a family dinner! I’ll definitely try it out.
Cheesy is the best part! More cheese means more flavor. Who needs to worry about that?
Followed the instructions but mine came out all mushy. What did I do wrong? Anyone else have this problem?
I think you might’ve overcooked the macaroni? If it’s mushy, that might be the reason. Try cooking it a minute or two less next time!
Mushy? I had no problem! Maybe you added too much water or didn’t drain the pasta enough. Just follow the recipe closely!
Eh, it was alright. Thought it would taste better. Maybe it needed more spice.
Tasted great, but my husband said it was ‘too much stuff’ in it. Whatever that means.
Too much cheese! It was a cheese overload and I couldn’t enjoy it properly.
I kinda agree tho, it was a bit cheesy for me too. Maybe just a cup of cheese instead of two?
I think it sounds delicious! More cheese means more flavor. Can’t have too much cheese in my opinion!
This chili mac is bomb! So cheesy and filling. My kids loved it!
Chili and mac and cheese? That’s like mixing two wrongs into a right! Not for me.
I dunno, it was too cheesy for my taste. Might try less cheese next time.
I love cheese, but I guess everyone has different tastes! Maybe try a milder cheese next time?
Yum! But why not just boil the macaroni and throw it into can soup? Much easier!!
Wut about beans? Isn’t that just weird? I dunno, I don’t eat that.
This was awesome! The flavors were perfect, and my kids loved it!
This was delicious! I added some jalapenos for a kick, and it turned out great!
Sounds awesome! I love spicy food too. I should try adding jalapenos next time!
I don’t think jalapenos belong in mac and cheese. It’s not supposed to be spicy!
This was fantastic! My kids loved it! 😊
Great way to use up leftovers! I had some corn, so I threw that in too!
Honestly, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. It was just okay.
First time cooking this kind of thing. Didn’t mess up, but it ain’t my fav.
This was super good! My kids loved it!
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s a hit in my house too. Great for busy nights!
Sounds good but my kids are picky eaters. I wonder if they would even try it. 🤔
Yum! Perfect for a quick dinner, especially on a cold night! 😊
Totally agree! This is one of my go-to recipes for chilly nights. So comforting! 😍
I don’t get why people rave about this. It was too salty for my taste.
I actually loved it! Maybe you used too much salt or something? It’s all about balance to me. 😋
Chili? Mac and Cheese? Together? Who thought of this? Kind of odd but I tried it, alright-ish.
I dunno, it was kinda bland for my taste. Next time I might add some hot sauce.
Mac n cheese is the best!! Yummy!!!
Totally agree! Mac and cheese is life! I can’t wait to try this chili twist!
This recipe is so simple! I can’t believe I finished it in under 30 min. A lifesaver!
I followed this to a T, and the beef was tough. What did I do wrong?
Made it for my boyfriend and he was impressed. Would make again for sure!
5 stars!!! Can’t wait to share with my friends. This is a keeper!
Wow, this is the best comfort food ever! My kids devoured it. Thank you!
This recipe is off the chain! Never thought chili and mac could mix so well! Gonna make it a weekly thing.
I think there might be too much cheese… but I still ate it all, lol.
How much chili powder should be in this again? Seems like too much!
I think 2 tablespoons is just right for flavor! Gives it that chili kick! 😊
2 tablespoons? Seems like a lot! I usually put less. You sure that’s not too spicy? 🤔
I don’t understand how you can put beans in mac and cheese. Isn’t that just wrong?
This recipe is misleading. Where’s the flavor? Also, add more meat next time.
Yum! Cheesy and hearty, just how I like my meals. Will make again for sure!
Don’t forget to add onions and garlic! It really brings out the flavors!
Is this chili or pasta? Confused, but it’s good.
Quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight meal. I’ll make it again for sure!
I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights. Can’t wait to make it again too!
Sounds good, but does it really taste like chili? I’m not sure about mixing mac and cheese with beef.
I followed the recipe but used chicken instead of beef. Still turned out good!
Using chicken? Really? Not sure that would taste as good…
That’s awesome! Chicken is a great alternative. I might try that next time too!
Chili and cheese just don’t mix well. I’d rather have them separate.
Wow, just wow! I added corn and it made it even better! Yummy!
Wudda big hit at the BBQ! Even my picky uncle asked for seconds! 👍🔥
Chili in mac and cheese just seems weird to me. Don’t think my family would like it. 🤷♂️
Sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it at my next gathering. Thanks for sharing! 😋