If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that brings a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and bold chili flavors, this Chili Mac Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic way to take classic mac and cheese to the next level by stirring in savory ground beef, spicy chili beans, and a delightful kick of Rotel tomatoes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe combines simple pantry staples with a burst of flavor that will quickly become a household favorite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both quick and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Chili Mac Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a unique role in making the dish irresistibly tasty. From tender pasta that absorbs all the rich flavors to the spice and texture of chili beans and Rotel, every component adds to the dish’s mouthwatering appeal.
- Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese (24 oz): The creamy cheese sauce and macaroni noodles form the comforting base.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds savory richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Yellow onion (1, finely diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Chili beans (1 can, 16 oz, do not drain): Introduces hearty beans soaked in chili sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Mild Rotel (1 can, 10 oz, do not drain): Gives a mild spicy tomato and pepper punch that livens up the dish.
- Mild chili seasoning packet (1): Rounds out the chili flavor with a gentle heat and spice blend.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions on your box of deluxe mac & cheese. This ensures the pasta is cooked perfectly tender but not mushy, providing a great structure for the rest of the recipe. Remember to save the foil packet of cheese sauce for later—it’s the secret to that irresistible creamy finish!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef alongside the finely diced yellow onion. This step not only cooks the meat thoroughly but also allows the onions to soften and release their sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Combine the Chili Components
Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and onions, then pour in the chili beans and mild Rotel, keeping their juices for maximum flavor. Sprinkle the mild chili seasoning over everything and stir well to combine. Letting the mixture cook together for about 5 to 8 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully and the chili beans soften further.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Sauce
Finally, add the cheese sauce packet from the mac & cheese box into the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly until the cheese coats every bit of pasta, beans, and beef. This step brings that signature creamy texture and cheesy goodness that perfectly balances the chili’s spices. Once combined, your Chili Mac Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Chili Mac Recipe by topping it with sour cream for a creamy tang, shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness, and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp bite. These garnishes add texture and flavor contrast that make each spoonful even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness and balance. Cornbread or crusty bread also makes a fantastic side to soak up every bit of the cheesy chili sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Chili Mac in individual mini cast-iron skillets or in bell pepper halves for a colorful presentation. You can also top it with crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño slices if you love an extra crunch or heat kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chili Mac Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, too. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little room for expansion and label your containers with the date for easy reference.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen Chili Mac overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chili Mac Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses elbow macaroni from the deluxe mac & cheese box, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne to change up the texture while still getting delicious results.
How spicy is this Chili Mac Recipe?
The recipe uses mild chili seasoning and mild Rotel to keep the heat balanced and friendly for most palates. If you want more spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or use a hotter chili seasoning packet.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, or toss in extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and corn for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs a punch.
What’s the best way to keep the mac and cheese creamy?
Make sure not to rinse the pasta after boiling, and add the cheese sauce while everything is still hot, stirring continuously to achieve that irresistibly creamy texture. If needed, add a splash of milk during reheating to loosen it up.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Chili Mac freezes well and maintains its flavor and texture through freezing and reheating, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal, you really can’t go wrong with this Chili Mac Recipe. It’s quick, easy, and packs a punch with every cheesy, savory bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a regular favorite on your dinner table!
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines creamy mac and cheese with flavorful chili beans, ground beef, and mild Rotel tomatoes for a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (24 oz) Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (16 oz) can chili beans (do not drain)
- 1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel (do not drain)
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream, for serving
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Thinly sliced green onions, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the macaroni noodles from the deluxe mac & cheese box following the package directions. Drain but do not rinse the noodles and set them aside. Keep the cheese sauce packet for later use.
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the finely diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chili beans with their sauce, mild Rotel tomatoes with juices, and the mild chili seasoning packet to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and let the mixture cook for 5-8 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour in the cheese sauce from the foil packet included in the mac & cheese box. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the creamy cheese into the chili mac mixture.
- Serve: Serve the chili mac hot, optionally topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use medium or hot Rotel and chili seasoning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add additional toppings like jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips for texture and heat.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
