Ultimate Easy Chili Mac Recipe: Your Go-To Comfort Food for Any Night
Are you searching for that perfect meal that is both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully simple to prepare? Look no further than this fantastic Chili Mac recipe! It’s a true champion of comfort food, making regular appearances at my dinner table, but it truly shines when served to friends and family during football games or casual get-togethers. This recipe leverages the deep, rich flavors of my homemade chili seasoning mix, combined with classic elbow macaroni and your choice of hearty ground meat – be it beef, turkey, or even chicken. The result is a deliciously warm and filling meal that everyone will love.
This dish is the epitome of home-cooked goodness, bringing together the best elements of a robust chili and a creamy mac and cheese. It’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this Chili Mac recipe is designed to be straightforward, delivering impressive results without any fuss. Get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire!
Why This Homemade Chili Mac Will Become Your New Favorite
This particular Chili Mac recipe holds a special place in my family’s heart, and honestly, it’s one of my personal favorites too. The “why” is simple: it’s incredibly fast, exceptionally easy to make, and consistently delicious. In our busy lives, finding a dinner solution that doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated steps is a game-changer. This recipe is exactly that – a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
The secret to its consistent deliciousness lies in the robust chili base, which is elevated by my homemade chili seasoning mix. I always keep a large jar of this seasoning readily available in my pantry because chili-based meals are a staple in our home. Having it pre-mixed means I can whip up this Chili Mac, or any other chili dish, in a flash. While you can certainly measure out each spice individually every time, I highly recommend making a batch of the seasoning ahead of time for ultimate convenience. Both methods yield fantastic results, but the pre-made mix truly simplifies the process.
Beyond its speed and ease, this Chili Mac offers incredible versatility. It’s a dish that can be adapted to your preferences, whether you want to adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or even swap out the type of meat. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, using common pantry staples and affordable ground meat. This makes it an ideal choice for feeding a family or a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a taste of home.
Serving Suggestions & Customization for Your Perfect Chili Mac
Chili Mac is an incredibly versatile dish, making it ideal for customization and pairing with various sides. While it’s a complete meal on its own, adding a few thoughtful touches can elevate your dining experience, especially if you’re serving guests. This dish is particularly cherished during the colder months, offering a warm and hearty escape from the chill.
Classic Pairings:
- Warm Cornbread: My absolute favorite way to serve Chili Mac is alongside warm cornbread. A thin pat of butter melting on top, drizzled with a touch of honey, creates a delightful contrast of sweet and savory. The slightly crumbly texture of cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of chili goodness. This combination is a must-try and will quickly become a household favorite!
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: If cornbread isn’t your preference, a side of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is equally wonderful for dipping into the rich chili sauce.
Elevate Your Presentation with Toppings:
For a vibrant burst of color and an extra layer of flavor, especially when serving to guests, consider these toppings:
- Shredded Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a cheddar-jack blend adds a creamy, melty finish that perfectly complements the chili. The cheese becomes wonderfully gooey from the heat of the chili.
- Sliced Green Onions: Finely sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of green.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy creaminess that can balance the spice and richness of the chili.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note.
- Diced Red Onion: For those who enjoy a sharper onion flavor, a small amount of finely diced red onion adds a pleasant crunch and zest.
- Jalapeños: If you love heat, thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños are an excellent addition.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can kick up the spice level to your liking.
This Chili Mac is so satisfying it deserves a spot on your list of must-make ground beef dinner ideas!
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chili Mac
Creating a truly delicious Chili Mac starts with quality ingredients. This recipe is divided into two main components: the homemade chili seasoning, which is the heart of the flavor, and the chili base itself. Using fresh, vibrant components will make all the difference in your final dish.
For the Homemade Chili Seasoning Blend
Making your own chili seasoning ensures you control the freshness and quality of your spices, resulting in a more vibrant and potent flavor profile than store-bought packets. This blend is designed to offer a perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and a hint of heat.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the chili, giving it a richer consistency.
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion: Provides a concentrated onion flavor that disperses evenly throughout the chili.
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder: The cornerstone of any good chili, offering a deep, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick. Increase for more heat!
- ½ tsp dried minced garlic: Aromatic and savory, contributing to the overall depth of flavor.
- ½ tsp sugar: A touch of sweetness helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the spice profile.
- ½ tsp ground cumin: Crucial for that classic chili aroma and earthy undertone.
For the Hearty Chili Base
These ingredients come together to form the robust foundation of your Chili Mac. They are simple, accessible, and create a comforting meal.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein of our chili. Choose a lean-to-medium fat content for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- 1 15-oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans add a creamy texture and are a classic chili ingredient. Draining and rinsing helps remove excess sodium and improves texture.
- 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes: Provides the tangy, savory tomato base that is essential for chili. Diced tomatoes offer nice chunks of tomato throughout the dish.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to create the saucy consistency and ensures the seasonings meld together properly during simmering.
- ¾ cup elbow macaroni: The “mac” in Chili Mac! These small, curved pasta shapes are perfect for catching the rich chili sauce.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Making Chili Mac
Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. For this Chili Mac recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen essentials:
- Large Skillet: A spacious skillet or Dutch oven is crucial for browning the ground beef and simmering the chili. Look for one with high sides to prevent splatters and allow for easy stirring.
- Cutting Board: Essential for any ingredient prep, such as dicing onions (if using fresh) or preparing garnishes like green onions.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for the seasoning blend and other liquid ingredients to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of any chopping or dicing tasks.
- Colander: For draining and rinsing the kidney beans, and later, for draining the cooked macaroni.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for browning meat and stirring the chili without scratching your skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chili Mac
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful Chili Mac that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
- Prepare the Chili Seasoning: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the flour, dried minced onion, chili powder, salt, crushed red pepper, dried minced garlic, sugar, and ground cumin. This is your flavorful homemade seasoning blend that will give your chili its signature taste. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or your chosen alternative like turkey or chicken) over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the meat is browned, carefully drain off any accumulated fat from the skillet. This step is important for a less greasy, more balanced chili. Return the cooked meat to the pan.
- Combine Chili Ingredients: Add your prepared seasoning mixture, water, the drained and rinsed kidney beans, and the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Personalize and Simmer: At this point, feel free to add any additional ingredients to personalize your chili. This could include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, a pinch of cocoa powder for depth, or other vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the chili is simmering, prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the drained elbow macaroni directly into the chili mixture in the skillet. Mix until the macaroni is fully coated with the rich chili sauce. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream.
Tips for the Best Chili Mac
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The 20-minute simmer time is crucial. It allows the flavors from the seasoning, beans, and tomatoes to meld together, creating a deeper, richer chili.
- Al Dente Macaroni: Cook your macaroni just until al dente. It will continue to absorb some liquid from the chili, and if it’s overcooked initially, it can become mushy.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your chili mac. You might want to add a little more salt, a pinch of sugar, or a dash of hot sauce to perfectly suit your palate.
- Make Ahead: Chili Mac tastes even better the next day! The flavors deepen as it sits. It’s a great dish for meal prepping.
Storage and Reheating
Chili Mac makes for excellent leftovers! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Chili Mac freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat Chili Mac gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave; stir midway through to ensure even heating.
I truly adore a good comfort food, and this Chili Mac recipe stands out as one of the very best! Its simplicity, robust flavor, and hearty nature make it a perfect fit for any occasion, from a busy weeknight to a relaxed weekend gathering. I sincerely hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful meal as much as my family and I do.
The tender macaroni in this recipe creates a wonderful base that pairs perfectly with other chili variations, such as my 3 Bean Chili, especially when served alongside some delicious Sweet Cornbread. And if you’re still looking for more inspiring ground beef dinner ideas, be sure to try my mouthwatering Salisbury Steaks. For another comforting classic, this version of Hamburger Casserole, often served over egg noodles, also makes for an incredibly hearty and satisfying dinner!
More Comforting Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with chili like we have, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious chili-inspired dishes:
- Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers: A creative and flavorful way to enjoy your chili, baked inside bell peppers with a cornbread topping.
- Make Your Own Homemade Chili Seasoning: Dive deeper into creating your perfect spice blend, which is the foundation for truly exceptional chili.
- Chicken Chili with Black Beans & Corn: A lighter yet equally satisfying chili option, packed with tender chicken, colorful beans, and sweet corn.
- Instant Pot Chili: For those busy days, this recipe allows you to achieve deep chili flavor in a fraction of the time using your Instant Pot.
- Crockpot Chili: Set it and forget it! Let your slow cooker do all the work to create a rich, slow-simmered chili with minimal effort.
This post was originally published on this blog on November 18, 2011, and has been updated and expanded to bring you even more delicious insights and helpful tips.
Chili Mac
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp dried minced garlic
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 oz can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup elbow macaroni
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together flour, dried minced onion, chili powder, salt, crushed red pepper, dried minced garlic, sugar and ground cumin. Set aside.
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Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
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Add the prepared seasoning mixture, water, drained and rinsed kidney beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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While the chili simmers, prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and then stir the cooked macaroni into the chili mixture. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.