If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying, this Chili Mac Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. A perfect blend of tender macaroni, hearty ground beef, zesty chili beans, and the creamy goodness of classic Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, all baked together in one pan, this dish hits every spot. It’s the ultimate easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth and a bit of spice to your home-cooked lineup, with each bite delivering layers of texture and taste that feel like a big, cozy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chili Mac Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients, each one adding a unique element — from savory depth and spice to creamy texture and vibrant color. Getting these basics right makes the entire dish sing in harmony, making your cooking experience both straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 box (24 oz) Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese: The star of the dish, providing that rich, creamy cheese sauce base and perfectly cooked pasta.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a savory foundation that pairs beautifully with the chili flavors.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the spice and richness of the other ingredients.
- 1 (16 oz) can chili beans (do not drain): Adds texture, fiber, and that classic chili bean flavor that makes this recipe unique.
- 1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel (do not drain): Delivers a burst of mild tomato and green chili zest, giving the dish a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning: Infuses the dish with authentic, warm chili spices that tie everything together perfectly.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles from the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese box according to the package instructions. Be sure to save the foil packet of cheese sauce for later—it’s the key to that luscious creaminess. Once the noodles are perfectly al dente, drain them carefully but don’t rinse; keeping some starch on the noodles helps the cheese sauce stick beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and finely diced yellow onion. Cook together, breaking up the beef with a spatula until the meat is browned and the onions become translucent and fragrant. This combination is where a lot of the dish’s flavor starts developing, so take your time and let these aromatics do their job. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Chili Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked macaroni, chili beans (with their juice), mild Rotel (including the juice), and the packet of mild chili seasoning into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, allowing the flavors to mingle and the mixture to warm through for about 5 to 8 minutes. This melding step is essential for the bold chili flavors to infuse the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Sauce
Once the chili mixture has warmed and combined beautifully, stir in the cheese sauce from the foil packet. Mix well to coat every piece of pasta with creamy, cheesy goodness. This step transforms the dish into a rich, indulgent comfort meal that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious. At this point, your Chili Mac Recipe is ready to be served and enjoyed!
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chili Mac Recipe from everyday comfort food to a true celebration on your plate, consider topping it with some fun garnishes. A dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess that perfectly contrasts the mild heat, while shredded cheddar cheese naturally amplifies the cheesy goodness. For a fresh, crisp finish, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top to add a bit of color and bite that brightens every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but if you’d like to complement it, fresh green salads or steamed vegetables can add a refreshing balance to the richness. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side offers a lovely way to scoop up all the tasty sauce, turning every meal into a full, satisfying experience without extra fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve this Chili Mac Recipe in individual ramekins and broil the tops with extra cheese for a crispy crust, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Another fun twist is to spoon the chili mac into bell peppers and bake them until tender—this transforms the recipe into a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Mac Recipe is a joy to have on hand for quick weeknight meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners whenever you need a cozy meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a smart option for meal prep. Portion the chili mac into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. When frozen, it will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Chili Mac Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without sticking or drying out. Add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure creamy, consistent warmth throughout the dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese cheese sauce is deliciously creamy and convenient, you can mix in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for an extra kick. Just melt them in at the end for a personalized cheesy finish.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well if you want a leaner version. Just remember it cooks a bit faster and can dry out easily, so keep an eye on it and perhaps add a little olive oil when browning the meat and onions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the ground beef and add extra beans or veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vibrant, protein-packed vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this Chili Mac Recipe?
This recipe uses mild chili seasoning and Rotel, making it gently spiced but not overwhelming. If you like it hotter, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili seasoning to match your taste.
Can I prepare Chili Mac Recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare most of the dish ahead of time and finish it just before serving. Cook and combine everything except the cheese sauce, then refrigerate. When ready, stir in the cheese sauce and warm through. This way, you spend less time in the kitchen during your event.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, hearty charm of this Chili Mac Recipe to bring people together around the table. Its ease, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures make it a treasured go-to for busy nights and casual gatherings alike. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you—bold, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, it’s sure to become your new favorite meal.
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Mac recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining creamy mac and cheese with spicy chili beans, ground beef, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for a family dinner, it comes together quickly in about 25 minutes and serves 8, making it a convenient and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 box (24 oz) Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
Chili Components
- 1 (16 oz) can chili beans (do not drain)
- 1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the macaroni noodles from the box of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain the noodles but do not rinse them. Set them aside for later use, and keep the foil packet of cheese sauce untouched.
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and finely diced yellow onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and onions. Pour in the can of chili beans (with liquid), the can of mild Rotel tomatoes (with liquid), and sprinkle the mild chili seasoning over the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly and allow it to cook together for 5 to 8 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Open the foil packet of cheese sauce from the mac & cheese box and pour it into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy, savory chili mac mixture.
- Serve: Serve the chili mac immediately while hot. Optionally, top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Do not rinse the cooked pasta after draining to retain the sauce’s ability to cling well.
- Draining the grease from the cow meat helps reduce fat content and keeps the dish lighter.
- For a spicier dish, consider using hot Rotel or adding extra chili seasoning.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
