If you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something bold and cheesy, this Chili Mac has your back. It’s a mash-up of hearty beef chili and creamy mac and cheese that bakes up hot and bubbly in under an hour.
Chili Mac Recipe
The spices for this chili mac are simple but pack in so much flavor, and the pasta water helps the sauce hold everything together without turning it into a soup. You get that satisfying hearty pasta, seasoned beef, and a ton of melty cheese, all baked under a golden layer of even more cheese. This is the kind of weeknight dinner that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
There’s no complicated prep, no special tools, and no fancy ingredients. Just a solid list of pantry staples that pull their weight.
Kids love it. Grown-ups love it. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
It’s hearty, simple, and flexible. Want it spicy? Go heavier on the chili powder. Need to stretch it? Add a can of beans or corn. No stress, just solid comfort food.
This baked chili mac hits all the comfort food notes: cheesy, beefy, a little spicy, and packed with pasta. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but hearty enough to feed a big family or satisfy a hungry crew after a long day. The chili-style meat sauce soaks into the noodles without getting soggy, and the baked top layer adds a perfect cheesy crust. You can prep it ahead or toss it together on the fly. Either way, it’s a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – No long simmering time or complicated prep.
- Family-Friendly – Mild but full-flavored, with easy spice adjustments.
- Budget-Wise – Uses affordable pantry and fridge staples.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Holds up well for next-day lunches or dinners.
- Customizable – Add beans, veggies, or switch up the cheese.
Chili Mac Recipe Shopping List
- Ground Beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein. Ground turkey or chicken works too.
- Mexican Blend Cheese – A mix of melty cheeses that adds richness and tang. Sub with cheddar or Monterey Jack if needed.
- Mexican Stewed Tomatoes – Bring a bit of spice and depth to the sauce. Regular stewed tomatoes with added green chiles are a solid swap.
- Macaroni Noodles – Classic elbow pasta that holds onto sauce well. Shells or rotini can work too.
- Chili Powder – The main spice blend. Go mild or hot depending on your preference.
- Cumin – Adds warm, earthy undertones that make the chili pop.
- Salt – Brings balance and enhances all the other flavors.
- Onion Powder – Gives a sweet, savory depth without chopping onions.
- Garlic Powder – Rounds out the flavor base with an aromatic kick.
- Pasta Water – Helps bind the sauce to the noodles and creates a silky texture.
Chili Mac Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
- Boil the Pasta – Cook macaroni until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the Beef – In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Drain the fat.
- Build the Sauce – Add tomatoes, spices, and pasta water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese – Stir in half the cheese until melted and smooth.
- Bake – Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Chili Mac Recipe FAQ
Cool the chili mac completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes. Microwave individual servings with a splash of water or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
You can prep the entire dish and refrigerate before baking. When ready to cook, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
What Are Some Variations You Can Add?
Add a drained can of beans or corn, swap the ground beef for turkey, or try a spicier cheese mix. Crushed tortilla chips on top before baking can add a nice crunch.
Serve This With…
More Pasta Recipes To Try
- Meatball Marinara with Campanelle
- Cavatappi Pasta and Meat Sauce
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Tomato and Burrata Pasta
This Chili Mac is one of those dishes that works. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of satisfying texture and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a big group or just stocking the fridge with easy meals, it’s a reliable pick that delivers every time.
PIN FOR LATER!
Homemade Chili Mac
If you're feeding a crowd or just craving something bold and cheesy, this Chili Mac has your back. It’s a mash-up of hearty beef chili and creamy mac and cheese that bakes up hot and bubbly in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can Mexican stewed tomatoes
- 1 pound macaroni noodles
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup pasta water.
Instructions
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large stock pot.
- Add the macaroni noodles once the water is boiling.
- Follow the cooking directions on the pasta package to cook the noodles al dente.
- Drain the noodles, but set aside 1 cup of the water.
- As soon as you start cooking the pasta, place a large pan on the stove over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until it is browned.
- Drain the fat from the ground beef.
- Add in the tomatoes, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and pasta water.
- Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in half the cheese and let it all melt together.
- Remove from the heat and pour everything into an oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and place
- In the oven preheated to 400 degrees.
- Let it cook for ten minutes, pull it from the oven, and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 653Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 889mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 45g