Name: Chili Mac
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 16 ounces lean ground beef (95/5); ½ cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef broth (low sodium or no-salt-added); 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about 2 ½ cups dry); 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded monterey jack or pepper jack cheese; sliced green onion; chopped cilantro; extra shredded cheese; sliced jalapeno peppers

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Chili Mac is a soothing blend of spaghetti and chili that delivers robust flavor in every bite. This comforting dish combines macaroni pasta with a spiced meat mixture, robust cheese, and savory beans, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it’s everything you love about chili, but with an added delightful twist that makes it feel even more extraordinary.

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I first discovered Chili Mac during a cold winter evening when I needed something warm and filling. With a busy schedule, I love recipes that come together quickly, and this one did not disappoint. Within just 30 minutes, I had a flavorful and robust meal that brought everyone to the table, eager for a second helping. If you haven’t tried making Chili Mac yet, now’s your chance to bring this easy, budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish into your home kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chili Mac
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chili Mac

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to on busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices and cheeses creates a creamy, savory dish that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A colorful dish topped with green onions and vibrant cheese makes it a feast for the eyes!
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, leftovers for lunch, or even as a party dish that impresses guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegetarian by swapping in lentils or gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This adds a nice thickness to the sauce. You can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
1 tablespoon chili powder: The key to that Tex-Mex flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice offers warmth and depth. Extra can enhance the flavor if you love it!
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky essence to the dish. Regular paprika is a fine substitute if you don’t have it.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the flavors. You can use table salt, but remember to adjust the quantity.
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Freshly ground enhances the flavor better than pre-ground.
16 ounces lean ground beef (95/5): Lean meat keeps it lighter. Ground turkey or chicken can work well if you prefer.
½ cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion): Sweetness from the onion complements the spices beautifully.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic flavor. Adjust as you prefer — because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love garlic?
3 cups beef broth (low sodium or no-salt-added): Provides a savory base. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Adds acidity and richness; choose no-salt-added versions for a healthier choice.
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about 2 ½ cups dry): A classic shape that holds sauce well. Swap in gluten-free varieties if necessary.
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans (rinsed and drained): These add protein and texture; kidney beans or black beans are also great options.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to mix it with mild if preferred.
1 cup shredded monterey jack or pepper jack cheese: For a kick, pepper jack is delightful! Use any cheese that melts well.
Sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeno peppers: Use these as garnishes to elevate the final dish.

How to Make Chili Mac

Prepare the Spices: In a small bowl, stir the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper together until well combined. Set aside for later use.
Brown the Beef: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, cook the 16 ounces of lean ground beef and the ½ cup of finely diced yellow onion. Break up the meat as it browns, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent — about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the 2 cloves of minced garlic along with the flour and spice mixture, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly until fragrant.
Pour in Broth & Sauce: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and 1 can of tomato sauce, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring.
Add Macaroni & Beans: Add 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni and the 1 can of rinsed pinto beans. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 11 minutes, stirring frequently until the pasta is tender.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Cover the pan and let the chili mac rest for 5 minutes; the sauce will thicken slightly as the pasta absorbs more liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish to your liking! Enjoy it warm with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, extra shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeno peppers.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Chili Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but a splash of broth or water can refresh its creamy consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be browned but not dried out.
If you find your sauce is too thick, adding a little more broth or water while it simmers can help achieve the desired creaminess.
To enhance flavors, let the dish rest before serving — this allows the pasta to absorb the sauce thoroughly.
Feel free to customize the spice level. If you like it hot, add a dash of cayenne or jalapeños!
Make it ahead! It keeps well and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers.

Chili Mac packs so many flavors, warmth, and comfort in each beautifully cheesy bite. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Feel encouraged to experiment with different toppings and cheese combinations, as the possibilities are endless!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Chili Mac vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground substitute. Just ensure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty yet meatless version.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

To manage the heat, adjust the amount of chili powder used or select milder cheese varieties. If you prefer more spice, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce when garnishing!

Can I freeze Chili Mac?

Yes! It freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make this a healthier dish?

You can lighten it by using lean ground turkey, whole grain or gluten-free pasta, and low-fat cheese options. Increasing the quantity of beans and adding more vegetables are also great ways to enhance nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

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