If you’re craving something that combines the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the robust, spicy kick of chili, you’re in for a feast! This Chili Mac Recipe is an unbeatable crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and packable with rich flavors. With tender ground beef, hearty chili beans, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and that irresistible Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese base, this dish perfectly balances cheesy goodness and chili zing. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to a flavorful Chili Mac Recipe. Each component plays its part—from the creamy cheese sauce that ties everything together to the chili beans that add texture and depth of flavor.
- Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese (24 oz): The star that brings creamy, cheesy comfort to the dish.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty protein and savory richness.
- Yellow onion, finely diced (1): Gives a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the meat’s flavor.
- Chili beans, canned (16 oz, do not drain): Contribute a soft texture and classic chili taste.
- Mild Rotel tomatoes (10 oz, do not drain): Adds a juicy, mildly spicy tomato flavor.
- Mild chili seasoning packet (1): Perfectly seasons the whole dish with traditional chili spices.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Cook the macaroni noodles
Start by cooking the macaroni noodles according to the package directions on your box of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese. This ensures the pasta is perfectly tender and ready to soak in all those fantastic flavors later. Remember to drain the noodles but don’t rinse them—that starchy coating helps the cheese sauce and chili mixture cling beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef and onion
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef along with the finely diced yellow onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions become translucent. This combination forms a flavorful base that makes this Chili Mac Recipe so satisfying. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep your dish from getting too heavy.
Step 3: Combine chili ingredients and pasta
Next, stir in the cooked pasta, canned chili beans (with their juice), undrained Rotel tomatoes, and the chili seasoning packet right into the skillet. This step lets all those savory flavors intermingle and heat through, bringing a warm, comforting aroma to your kitchen—ideal for whetting your appetite!
Step 4: Mix in the cheese sauce
Now for the magic touch: add the cheese sauce from the foil packet included in your mac & cheese box. Stir everything thoroughly so the cheesy sauce envelops every noodle and chunk of beef and beans. The result is a luscious, creamy texture that makes this Chili Mac Recipe such an indulgent delight.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Once everything is heated and combined, it’s time to plate up and enjoy! The best part about this Chili Mac Recipe is that it’s ready in minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Let’s move on to some serving tips to elevate this dish even more.
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
To turn your Chili Mac into a showstopper, add a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream on top to contrast the spicy chili notes. A sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the warm dish, amplifying the cheesiness. For a fresh, crisp bite, toss on some thinly sliced green onions—they add color and a subtle punch.
Side Dishes
This robust Chili Mac Recipe stands well on its own, but pairing it with something light balances the meal nicely. Consider a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli to add a fresh crunch and brighten the plate. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make excellent companions, perfect for mopping up any extra cheesy chili sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili mac in individual mini casserole dishes for a comforting, personal touch when entertaining. Or spoon it inside baked bell peppers to create hearty ‘Chili Mac stuffed peppers.’ For casual gatherings, offer it as a dip-like appetizer with tortilla chips or crispy breadsticks—guaranteed to be devoured quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Mac Recipe tastes fantastic the next day as well. Store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the chili beans and cheese sauce well combined ensures flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this Chili Mac freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, so it reheats evenly without losing its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Chili Mac in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or water if it feels too thick, ensuring the creamy sauce stays smooth and luscious after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Chili Mac Recipe?
Absolutely! While the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese uses elbow macaroni, you can swap in rotini, shells, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta stays tender but not mushy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chili Mac Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans and add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. The chili seasoning and cheese sauce keep it flavorful and hearty.
How spicy is this Chili Mac Recipe?
This recipe uses mild chili seasoning and mild Rotel, so it’s gently spiced and approachable for most palates. For more heat, try a medium or hot chili seasoning packet or add chopped jalapeños.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the mac & cheese with a gluten-free pasta and cheese sauce alternative. Check the chili seasoning packet for any gluten-containing ingredients to ensure the whole dish is safe.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
Consider sautéing garlic with the onions, stirring in a splash of smoky paprika or cumin, or topping with pickled jalapeños and fresh cilantro for extra layers of flavor that complement the chili profile.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac Recipe is a warm hug on a plate that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, cheesy, chili-packed delight in your recipe arsenal. Dive in, savor every bite, and let this dish become your new comfort food classic!
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and flavorful Chili Mac recipe combines creamy mac and cheese with savory ground beef, chili beans, and a mild Rotel tomato mixture, all enhanced with chili seasoning for a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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 the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni noodles from the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese box according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Reserve the cheese sauce packet for later use.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet pan over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the finely diced yellow onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Chili Ingredients: Stir in the cooked macaroni, chili beans with their liquid, the mild Rotel tomatoes with their juice, and the packet of mild chili seasoning. Combine everything thoroughly and let the mixture cook together for about 5 to 8 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese Sauce: Add the reserved cheese sauce from the foil packet into the skillet. Stir well to fully combine the cheese sauce with the chili mac mixture, ensuring a creamy texture throughout.
- Serve: Serve the chili mac immediately. For added flavor and texture, top each serving with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions as desired.
Notes
- Do not rinse the macaroni after cooking to help the sauce adhere better.
- Drain the excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Use the mild Rotel and chili seasoning for a gentle spice level; adjust to taste if you prefer it spicier.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and cheese add extra richness and tang.
- This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on serving needs.
