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?
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.
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!
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?
Wut about beans? Isn’t that just weird? I dunno, I don’t eat that.
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!
Great way to use up leftovers! I had some corn, so I threw that in too!
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! 😍
Chili? Mac and Cheese? Together? Who thought of this? Kind of odd but I tried it, alright-ish.
Mac n cheese is the best!! Yummy!!!
Totally agree! Mac and cheese is life! I can’t wait to try this chili twist!
Made it for my boyfriend and he was impressed. Would make again for sure!
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 don’t understand how you can put beans in mac and cheese. Isn’t that just wrong?