Chili Mac is the ultimate combination of two favorites – mac & cheese and chili – and this recipe is the BEST! Made with just 10 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy dinner recipe the whole family will love.
Anyone with kids (or a life) knows just how busy weeknights can get. Which is why, as a mom, there’s nothing I love more than an easy dinner.
Now, obviously there are degrees of “easy”… but when I’m talking about this Chili Mac recipe, I mean EASY. We’re talking one pan, ten ingredients, and 20 minutes from start to finish.
And the end result? It’s absolutely delicious. Every single time. Because what’s not to love about mac & cheese and chili all in one meal?? If your family loves good old fashioned comfort food, this recipe is for you!
what is chili mac?
A dish that combines chili and macaroni as the primary ingredients, topped with cheese and other various toppings. It is especially popular in the Midwest.
what you’ll need for this recipe
- ground beef
- chopped onion
- kidney beans
- Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- tomato sauce
- macaroni noodles
- chili powder
- cumin
- minced garlic
- salt
- shredded cheese
how to make chili mac
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain.
- Add kidney beans, Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, dry macaroni, water, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
- Top with shredded cheese; cover until melted.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef
- Use prepared mac & cheese in place of dry macaroni (reduce cooking time accordingly)
- Add extra diced green chilies
- Add frozen or canned corn
- Substitute black beans for the kidney beans
- Add additional varieties of beans
- Top with additional toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or jalapeños
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the same skillet or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for 3-4 months. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet on the stovetop, in a covered dish in the oven, or in the microwave.
More Dinner Recipes to Try
Here are some more of our favorite comfort dinners!
Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 can dark red kidney beans drained & rinsed
- 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup dried macaroni
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion. Drain grease from pan.
- Add kidney beans, Rotel, tomato sauce, dried macaroni noodles, water, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese; cover and let cheese melt 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef
- Use prepared mac & cheese in place of dry macaroni (reduce cooking time accordingly)
- Add extra diced green chilies
- Add frozen or canned corn
- Substitute black beans for the kidney beans
- Add additional varieties of beans
- Top with additional toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or jalapeños
You can never go wrong with chili mac! I usually make a huge batch of chili. One night chili and crusty bread, another night of chili, rice and cheese burritos and then the rest goes to chili mac. Sometimes a casserole with cornbread on top. It’s a great way to stretch your dollars and is fairly healthy.
Chili Mac is one of my favorites! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
This is everything I want this time of year. Two comforting dishes combined to make on an amazing dish that the whole family will love. Thank you!
This is my dinner tonight!
Such a delicious and easy meal! We are always needing something fast and quick! The kids will love this!
Yum! I love all the ingredients! So delicious!
This was incredible, especially with your homemade cornbread. Yum!