Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Introduction

Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It brings together the bold, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese—all in one pot. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and pasta are simmered together and finished with a generous layer of melty cheese.

It’s rich, satisfying, and has just the right balance of spice and creaminess. This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup—combining the hearty, savory flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and flavorful, with tender pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese all in one pot.

What makes this dish even more special is its versatility and ease. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly, yet tastes indulgent and homemade. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or just indulging in a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is a must-try because it’s comfort food elevated to perfection. It combines two beloved classics—chili and mac and cheese—into one hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, meaty, and slightly spicy combination.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings—you can make a big batch and everyone will go back for seconds.
• Leftovers Are Delicious: Flavors deepen over time, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~520 calories per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American comfort food
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chili Mac:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and broth.
3. Stir in uncooked macaroni and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Top with cheese and let it melt. Garnish and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Veggies

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

1. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
2. Stir and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Step 4: Add Cheese

1. Stir in half the cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover for 2–3 minutes, and let it melt.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Serve hot in bowls with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.
• Add a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
• If chili gets too thick, add more beef broth.
• For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup cream cheese at the end.
• Adjust spice level to taste by reducing or increasing chili powder and cayenne.

Variations

• Turkey Chili Mac: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Skip the meat and add more beans or mushrooms.
• Tex-Mex Chili Mac: Add corn, jalapeños, and top with avocado slices.
• Spicy Chili Mac: Use hot chili powder or add chipotle in adobo sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater

Conclusion

Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics. It’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot. With its bold chili spices, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this dish is a must-have for busy nights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

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Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 520 calories per serving

Description

Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It brings together the bold, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese—all in one pot. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and pasta are simmered together and finished with a generous layer of melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chili Mac:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (8 oz)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Beef and Veggies : Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
2. Step 2: Build the Chili Base : Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
3. Step 3: Cook the Pasta : Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
4. Step 4: Add Cheese : Stir in half the cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover for 2–3 minutes, and let it melt.
5. Step 5: Serve : Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Keywords: Chili Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef