The Ultimate Chili Mac and Cheese (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Name: The Ultimate Chili Mac and Cheese (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 cup Elbow Macaroni; 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes; 2 cups Beef Broth; 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Chili Powder; 1 tsp Cumin; 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded; Salt and Pepper to taste

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This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort food, combining savory, beefy chili and creamy mac and cheese into a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up. Trust me, after perfecting recipes for over a decade, I can tell you this dish is a total game-changer for busy families. It delivers all that cozy, cheesy goodness you love with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

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Key Takeaways

Ready in 30 Minutes: This entire meal comes together in about half an hour, making it faster (and way more delicious) than takeout.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means you get to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes. It’s a win-win!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of rich, savory chili and gooey, melted cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors get even better overnight! Make a big batch and pack it for easy lunches throughout the week—check out my other 5 Lunch Recipes You Won’t Be Able to Resist for more ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac and Cheese

It’s like a hug in a bowl. Seriously, the rich, meaty chili combined with ultra-creamy pasta is the definition of comfort food.
The texture is incredible. You get the perfect contrast of tender ground beef, soft pasta, and a silky, cheesy sauce in every single bite.
Packed with satisfying protein. Thanks to the ground beef and kidney beans, each serving is loaded with wholesome protein to keep you full and energized for hours.
So much flavor in every bite. We’re talking layers of flavor, from the smoky chili powder and cumin to the sharp, tangy cheddar cheese.
Endlessly customizable. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
It’s a family favorite, guaranteed. This recipe is one of my go-to dinners because I know my whole family will devour it, just like they do with my Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese.

A Bowl Full of Memories

I still remember the first time I made Chili Mac and Cheese for a game day party. It was a chilly fall afternoon, friends were coming over to watch football, and I needed something that could feed a crowd and keep everyone happy without chaining me to the stove. I decided to combine two of our all-time favorites: my classic stovetop chili and the creamiest mac and cheese imaginable.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as it simmered—that rich, beefy, spicy scent mingling with melting cheese—was absolutely heavenly. When I served it, everyone went quiet for a minute, and then the compliments started rolling in. It was such a massive hit! It’s one of those meals, like my Healthy Turkey Taco Bowls, that’s designed for sharing and making memories.

Now, it’s a staple in our home for cozy nights, busy weeknights, and whenever we just need a little taste of comfort. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl full of warmth and good times.

Ingredients for Chili Mac and Cheese

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutes
1 lb Ground Beef	I use 85/15 lean ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegan option, use plant-based ground “meat.”
1 cup Elbow Macaroni	For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions. It’s as versatile as my Easy Baked Spaghetti.
1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans	Rinsed and drained. Pinto or black beans also work great!
1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes	Don’t drain them! The juice adds amazing flavor to the chili base.
2 cups Beef Broth	You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
1 medium Yellow Onion	Finely chopped.
2 cloves Garlic	Minced.
2 tbsp Chili Powder	Adjust to your preferred spice level.
1 tsp Cumin	Adds that classic smoky chili flavor.
2 cups Cheddar Cheese	Freshly shredded is a MUST for the creamiest sauce!
Salt and Pepper	To taste.

Equipment Needed

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is perfect for ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together.
Cheese Grater: A box grater works best for shredding your own cheese.
Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step

Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Bloom the Spices: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices are super fragrant. This little step is a game-changer for flavor!
Simmer the Chili: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the drained kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently bubble for about 10 minutes to let those flavors meld together. It’s a similar process to my cozy Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Get Cheesy! Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is gloriously creamy.
Serve and Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, extra cheese, or fresh cilantro.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Shred Your Own Cheese: I know I said it before, but it’s worth repeating! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For that perfect, gooey cheese pull, grab a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. It takes two extra minutes and makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so cook it until it’s just al dente. No one likes mushy mac!
Toast Your Spices: That 30-second step of toasting the garlic and spices before adding the liquids? Don’t skip it! It deepens their flavor and makes your Chili Mac and Cheese taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Let It Rest: After you stir in the cheese, let the Chili Mac and Cheese sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken up into a perfectly rich and creamy consistency.

What to Serve With Chili Mac and Cheese

Classic Cornbread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of the cheesy, chili sauce.
A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, crunchy contrast. I sometimes serve it with my Southwest Chicken Salad for a full flavor experience.
Buttery Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too many carbs, right?
Steamed Green Beans: A simple, healthy side that adds a pop of color and nutrition.

Storing and Reheating Tips

You can store leftover Chili Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will be even better the next day! To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories	585
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	910mg
Total Carbohydrate	48g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	34g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.

FAQs About Chili Mac and Cheese

Do chili and mac and cheese go together?

Absolutely! They are a match made in heaven. The hearty, savory flavors of chili are the perfect complement to the creamy, comforting taste of mac and cheese. This Chili Mac and Cheese is the best of both worlds.

Do chili and cheese go together?

Yes, chili and cheese are a classic combination. The rich, salty flavor of cheese balances the spices in the chili and adds a delicious, gooey texture that everyone loves.

What is chili mac?

Chili Mac is a popular American comfort food dish that combines classic beef chili with macaroni pasta and cheese. It’s often made as a one-pot meal and is known for being hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Can you put chili on pasta?

You definitely can! Serving chili over pasta is a delicious and common practice. While elbow macaroni is traditional for Chili Mac and Cheese, you can also serve chili over spaghetti or other pasta shapes for a satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love this Chili Mac and Cheese as much as my family does. It’s one of those reliable, no-fuss recipes that brings so much comfort and flavor to the table. Cooking should be joyful and delicious, and this dish is a perfect example of that.

I can’t wait to see your creations! If you make this, snap a photo and tag me @karenflavor on social media. And for more easy meal ideas, don’t forget to check out my 5 Lunch Recipes You Won’t Be Able to Resist.

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Happy cooking!