Chili mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that combines two beloved classics into one hearty, satisfying dish. Itās creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold, savory flavors of chili – making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime youāre 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 hereās where the magic happens ā 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 jalapeƱos for extra heat, stir in corn for sweetness, or top with green onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for texture. Itās a one-pot wonder thatās 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! š
Absolutely! It’s so simple and delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner after work!
Isnāt chili supposed to be served with rice? Who puts it with macaroni? š¤Ø
It was okay, but a bit too spicy for my taste. Maybe I’ll cut back on the chili powder next time.
The ingredient list says 2 cups cheddar divided, but I used like all of it mixed in and it turned out fine. Tastes like diner chili mac. Would make again.
So easy to make. I little too cheesy for my taste but my kids loved it!
This sounds perfect for a family dinner! Iāll 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.
This is such a comforting bowlālike chili night but with mac and cheese vibes. The cheddar melts perfectly and the cumin really makes it taste āreal.ā I used a little extra pepper and it was great.
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.
This is comfort food but I found it kinda salty? I used regular canned tomatoes and maybe my cheddar was extra salty. Next time Iāll reduce the salt.
I meanā¦ chili mac and cheese usually has some sodium, but yeah cheddar can be super salty. Iād try low-sodium tomatoes/cheese or add a little more water so it isnāt so salty. Also you measure the cheddar in cups? Mine was like way more salty when I used a sharp one lol.
Oh no, that makes sense. With canned tomatoes + possibly extra-salty cheddar, 1 tsp salt can easily tip it. Next time maybe taste after simmering and add less (or skip the salt) until youāre happy. š
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! š
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. š¤
Yum! Perfect for a quick dinner, especially on a cold night! š
Totally agree! This is one of my go-to recipes for chilly nights. So comforting! š
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. š
Chili? Mac and Cheese? Together? Who thought of this? Kind of odd but I tried it, alright-ish.