Cozy Chili Mac! It’s the classic beef chili that is updated with macaroni paste and rich cheese for a mix of flavors that doesn’t disappoint! Everything is cooked in a pot and is very easy to make.
One Pot Chili Mac
This is the perfect recipe for sweater weather! It’s a hearty, home-cooked meal brimming with flavor and it’s just the dinner that friends and family of all ages will love on a cold day.
One thing I think you’ll really appreciate about this recipe is that a lot of the ingredients are things you probably already have on hand, especially if you keep a package or two of ground beef stored in the freezer.
And like regular chili, it’s so versatile that you can swap out other ingredients you have on hand for ones you don’t have (see ideas below for substitutes). I’ve added carrots to chili before, so pretty much anything really goes.
Then top it however you want with all your favorite ingredients. You can’t go wrong with a pinch of green onions and more cheese!
<img src="https://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/chili-mac-13.jpg" alt="Two servings of chili mac are shown
in bowls to serve from above. Slices of cornbread are shown aside as a serving suggestion.” />
Chili
Mac Recipe Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Ground beef 93% lean
- Macaroni pasta with elbow
- Vegetables: yellow onion, red pepper, green onions
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
- Canned ingredients: crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, green chilies, dairy beans:
- and half,
, garlic
half
cheddar cheese Sharp 
How to Make Chili Mac
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes. Slide to a far side.
- Brown meat: Shred the meat into pieces, let it settle for about 3 minutes, then break and mix the meat and peppers. Add the garlic and cook until the meat is almost cooked, about 2 minutes.
- Spice bloom: Add chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and green chilies. Add macaroni and beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring to low heat and then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Out of the heat stir in half and half and cheese. Lose weight with more chicken broth if desired. Serve with desired ingredients.
.
Possible substitutes and variations
Beans:
- Black beans or pinto beans will work well instead of red beans
- Onions: The red or white onion will work instead of the yellow onion.
- Pepper: Poblano pepper is a great option, or if you want to be nice and spicy, just use 2 or 3 jalapeños instead.
- Pasta: You can use another type of pasta here, such as ditalini or mini bow ties.
- Cheese: Monterey cat cheese is a great substitute for cheddar cheese.
- Tomatoes: If you have a can of whole tomatoes, you could bombard them in the food processor instead of crushing them.
- Vegetarian/vegan option: Use the Impossible or Beyond Beef plant-based burger, then replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. If you go vegan, also use a vegan cheddar cheese and half and half canned coconut milk.
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Healthier option
- : For a healthier alternative, use ground turkey instead of ground beef, skip half and half, and use whole wheat pasta.
What to serve with Chili Mac
- Cornbread
- One-hour dinner rolls
- Tortilla, salsa and guacamole
- Grilled corn on crispy
- apple
chips
cob
More delicious chili recipes to try
- the slow cooker
- Vegetarian White chicken chili Chili
Turkey chili Chile
