Introduction

Best Chili Mac Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup—hearty chili combined with tender pasta and finished with plenty of melty cheese. This one-pot favorite delivers bold, savory flavor with a creamy, satisfying finish that feels nostalgic and filling. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather, or feeding a hungry crowd, chili mac is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit.

Why you’ll love this recipe

One-pot, minimal cleanup
Hearty, filling, and family-friendly
Bold chili flavor with cheesy comfort
Ready in about 30 minutes
Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef or chicken broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or deep skillet
Wooden spoon
Knife + cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Build the flavor base

Add diced onion to the pot and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add tomato and spices

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.

4. Add liquids and beans

Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Add kidney beans and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Cook the pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in uncooked macaroni, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the mixture thickens.

6. Add the cheese

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add more cheese for extra richness if desired.

7. Adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. The consistency should be thick and spoonable.

8. Serve

Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Mistakes to avoid

Not stirring pasta — sticks to the pot
Boiling too hard — pasta overcooks
Adding cheese over high heat — grainy texture
Under-seasoning — chili needs bold flavor
Skipping rest time — too loose consistency

Variations of the Best Chili Mac Recipe

Spicy — add cayenne or diced jalapeños
Creamier — stir in a splash of milk or cream
Vegetarian — use plant-based meat or extra beans
Tex-Mex — add corn and pepper jack cheese
Baked Chili Mac — top with cheese and broil until bubbly

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk
Freeze up to 2 months (slightly softer pasta)
Flavor improves the next day

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes—small shapes like shells or rotini work best.

Is this the same as chili mac and cheese?
Yes—this version leans cheesy but keeps chili flavor front and center.

Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce chili powder and skip spicy toppings.

What meat works best?
Ground beef is classic, but turkey or chicken works well.

Conclusion

Best Chili Mac Recipe brings together everything comforting in one bowl—savory chili, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Easy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies fast and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. One pot, big flavor, and guaranteed comfort.