Chili Macaroni

Chili Macaroni is the perfect comfort food that combines the flavors of hearty chili with the creamy goodness of classic macaroni. This easy-to-make one-pot meal features tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, savory tomatoes, beans, and a rich blend of spices for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight recipe the whole family will love or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, this dish will be a winning choice.

What You’ll Love About this Chili Macaroni Recipe

• One-Pot Comfort Food – Similar to goulash, chili mac combines two favorites, chili and macaroni, into one flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, hearty flavors. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable – Spice it up with jalapeños, make it vegetarian with plant-based protein, or add toppings like sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
• Meal Prep Friendly – This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like pasta, beans, ground beef, and cheese, chili mac is an affordable way to feed a crowd.

Ingredients to Make Easy Chili Macaroni Recipe

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to have on hand to make this easy Southern Chili Macaroni: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – Classic elbow macaroni noodles forms the base of this dish.
• Protein – Lean ground beef for the “chili” in chili mac.
• Onion – Sweet onion or yellow onion expands the flavor.
• Peppers – Poblano pepper for spice and texture.
• Garlic – Minced fresh garlic complements the onion.
• Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil to cook the ground beef and veggies.
• Spices – Seasoned salt and black pepper, dark chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, lemon pepper, ground ancho or chipotle pepper,
• Canned Vegetables – Chili seasoned diced tomatoes and light red kidney beans make this a one dish meal.
• Cheese – Shredded colby-jack cheese for a mild and cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Herb – Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and amps up the taste.
• Suggested Toppings – Sliced green onions shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, black olives or any of your favorite toppings.

How to Make the BEST Chili Macaroni Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Boil Macaroni – Cook the elbow macaroni per the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Saute Vegetables – Cook the diced onion and poblano pepper in a couple of drizzles of olive oil until softened. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 minute.
• Cook Ground Beef – Cook the beef until no pink remains, draining excess fat from the pan.
• Add Spices, Tomatoes and Beans – Add seasonings, canned tomatoes with juices and kidney beans. Simmer over medium heat until heated through.
• Combine – Add the cooked elbow macaroni, cheese and the cilantro. Stir well then transfer to the prepared dish. Sprinkle with more cheese.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown.
• Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with additional cilantro, green onions, more cheese and sour cream, jalapenos slices, black olives or an y of your favorite toppings.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Chili Macaroni Recipe

• One 13×9-inch baking dish or pan.
• Large skillet for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
• Large pot or pasta cooker to boil the macaroni.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater. Freshly grated cheese melts more easily and tastes better.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein – You can make chili mac with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork.
• Pasta – You could make this with any similar size pasta in place of elbows. Small or medium shells, noodles or penne rigate.
• Spices – You can replace the lemon pepper with black pepper, or omit it altogether.
• Fresh Herbs – If you don’t care for cilantro, you can use parsley in its place.
• Cheese – You can use sharp cheddar cheese, colby jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese. You can use a bag of shredded Mexican cheese blend for a shortcut.
• Set-Up a Toppings Bar – Chili macaroni is a mouthwatering way to serve chili for your game day eats. Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, sliced green onions, salsa, black olives, jalapeños, crushed Doritos or tortilla chips and shredded cheese and let everyone create a bowl of chili macaroni their way.
• Side Dishes to Serve with Chili Macaroni – To serve it as a main course add a steamed veggie or a salad and a big basket of homestyle garlic herb bread, and it turns dinner time into a family feast.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – You can fully assemble this casserole one day in advance and chill it in the fridge until baking.
• Leftovers – Store leftover Chili Macaroni covered with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container, chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes to Make

• Make your own Taco Meat for Mexican night at home.
• Chili Spaghetti recipe.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a one dish meal.
• Best ever Classic Chili.
• Individual serving Meatloaf Muffins topped with mashed potatoes.
• Serve this Ground Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles.
• Italian Basil Beef and Shells is rich and hearty.
• Supreme Pizza Pasta Skillet is a quick meal after a busy day.
• Cheesy Beef and Pasta from Averie Cook’s.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives