Chili Mac Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Chili Mac Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the creamy richness of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese with the bold, spicy warmth of chili beans, ground beef, and Rotel, this dish strikes the perfect balance between a cozy classic and a family-friendly crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it after a long day or feeding a hungry group, this recipe whips up in just 25 minutes and delivers such satisfying layers of taste and texture you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe banks on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the creaminess of the cheese sauce to the spicy pop of Rotel and the hearty ground beef, every element plays a crucial role in creating this ultimate comfort meal.
- 1 box (24 oz) Family Size Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese: The melty, cheesy noodles are the comforting base that makes chili mac feel like a warm hug.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds protein and a savory backbone to the whole dish, giving it heartiness and depth.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor when cooked with the beef.
- 1 (16 oz) can chili beans (do not drain): These provide a wonderful texture contrast and rich chili flavor.
- 1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel (do not drain): A perfect mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies that add freshness and a gentle kick.
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning: This tie-in of spices unifies everything with just the right amount of warmth and zest.
How to Make Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by preparing your macaroni noodles exactly as the box instructions recommend. Don’t toss out that trusty foil packet of cheese sauce just yet—set it aside for what’s coming. Drain your noodles well but keep them warm and ready; they’ll soak up all the flavors brilliantly later on.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Onions
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet on medium-high and add your ground beef to crumble as it browns. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion for sweetness and cook it all together until the beef has lost all its pink. Drain excess grease so your chili mac stays rich but never greasy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now comes the fun layering of flavors. Stir in your cooked pasta, undrained chili beans, Rotel, and that packet of chili seasoning. Let these mingle over the heat for 5 to 8 minutes. This simmer gently melds every bite with warming, zesty notes that you’ll love.
Step 4: Add Cheese Sauce
Once your chili mixture is bubbling with goodness, pour in the cheese sauce from the mac & cheese packet. Give everything a robust stir until the noodles are luxuriously coated in cheesy chili perfection. Your Chili Mac Recipe is now ready to shine!
How to Serve Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t just scoop and serve—top your chili mac with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess that cools the heat, sprinkle on some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheese punch, and scatter thinly sliced green onions for freshness and a subtle crunch. These simple garnishes elevate the flavor and add beautiful color to the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Cornbread or warm dinner rolls also make excellent companions, soaking up every bit of cheesy chili sauce left behind on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little fancy? Serve your chili mac in mini cast iron skillets or individual oven-safe bowls and top with extra cheese that you then broil until bubbly and golden. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing presentation that turns this simple meal into a charming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Chili Mac Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion your chili mac into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal ready in a flash.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. A splash of milk or water helps revive that creamy texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Chili Mac Recipe?
Absolutely! While the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese provides perfect creamy texture and flavor, you can mix in shredded sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a bit of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional beans, and use vegetable broth to add richness. The chili seasoning and Rotel will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is the Chili Mac Recipe?
The recipe calls for mild chili seasoning and mild Rotel, making it gently spiced but not overwhelming. If you like more heat, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook everything except for adding the cheese sauce, then refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, combine and heat with the cheese sauce to keep it fresh and creamy.
What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free macaroni and confirm that your chili seasoning and canned ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors without gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Mac Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on your dinner plate. It’s simple, quick, and full of cozy flavors that everyone will adore. Next time you’re in the mood for something easy but incredibly satisfying, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight staple!
Print
Chili Mac Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Chili Mac recipe combining the creamy comfort of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese with savory ground beef, chili beans, and Rotel for a deliciously easy one-pan meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, to taste
- Thinly sliced green onions, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the macaroni noodles from the Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese box according to the package instructions. Remember to save the foil packet of cheese sauce for later. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse it; set it aside for use in the next steps.
- Brown Beef and Onions: In a large skillet 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 onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish leaner.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni pasta, the entire can of chili beans (including liquid), the can of mild Rotel (including liquid), and the mild chili seasoning packet to the skillet with the browned beef and onions. Stir everything until well combined, then let the mixture cook for about 5 to 8 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through thoroughly.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour in the cheese sauce from the saved foil packet and stir well to incorporate it evenly throughout the chili mac mixture, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the chili mac hot immediately. Optionally, top each serving with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions to add extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot Rotel and chili seasoning according to your preference.
- For a leaner option, use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Do not rinse the cooked pasta to help the cheese sauce adhere better.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
