Simple Chili Mac

Hearty beef chili merged with creamy mac and cheese creates an irresistible one pot wonder that satisfies multiple comfort food cravings simultaneously. This simple chili mac transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary by combining two beloved classics into a single cohesive dish that exceeds the sum of its parts. The clever cooking method allows pasta to simmer directly in the savory chili liquid, absorbing rich flavors while releasing starches that create natural creaminess throughout. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this versatile recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort and cleanup.

Craveworthy Qualities

Last winter when unexpected dinner guests arrived with hungry teenagers in tow, this dish saved the evening. Even my neighbor's notoriously picky eater somehow managed a second helping without complaint. Its universal appeal spans sophisticated palates and comfort food enthusiasts alike, making it perfect for feeding diverse groups without compromise.

Quality Components

• Lean ground beef: This protein foundation provides rich savory depth throughout the dish. Select 85-90% lean for ideal flavor contribution without excessive grease that would create unpleasant texture.
• Chili seasoning blend: This spice combination delivers complex flavor without measuring multiple individual spices. The balanced mixture of chili powder and smoked paprika creates authentic chili character with minimal effort.
• Green chilies: These mild peppers contribute subtle heat and authentic southwestern flavor. Their gentle warmth enhances complexity without overwhelming the dish's approachable appeal.
• Elbow macaroni: These curved pasta tubes capture sauce perfectly in their hollow centers. Their medium size creates the ideal ratio of pasta to chili in each forkful while their cooking time aligns perfectly with the sauce development.
• Mexican cheese blend: This pre shredded variety provides flavor complexity beyond single cheese options. The combination of cheeses offers optimal melting properties while contributing various flavor notes that enhance the overall experience.

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Cooking Method

Develop Flavor Foundation

Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat until properly hot. Add ground beef and diced onions simultaneously, allowing them to cook together so the beef fat enhances the onion's sweetness while the onions add aromatic depth to the meat. Break the beef into small, uniform pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns, creating consistent texture throughout. Continue cooking until beef shows no pink and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving just enough to sauté the seasonings in the next step.

Build Aromatic Complexity

Add minced garlic directly to the hot beef and onion mixture, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add chili powder and smoked paprika, stirring continuously to coat the meat evenly and prevent the spices from burning. This direct application to hot protein activates the dried spices, blooming their flavors before liquid is added. Incorporate diced green chilies, stirring to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture, allowing their mild heat to permeate the dish.

Create Cooking Medium

Pour beef broth, tomato sauce, and heavy cream into the seasoned meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all elements into a consistent liquid. The beef broth provides savory depth, tomato sauce contributes acidity and color, while cream adds richness and helps prevent acidic ingredients from curdling during the pasta cooking process. Stir to deglaze the pan bottom, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon to incorporate these flavor concentrates throughout the liquid.

Incorporate Pasta Component

Bring the liquid just to a gentle boil before adding dry, uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. This precise timing ensures proper pasta cooking without excessive evaporation that would make the final dish too dry. Stir immediately after adding pasta to prevent sticking to the pot bottom. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer rather than a full boil, which would cook off too much liquid before the pasta tenderizes.

Apply Controlled Cooking

Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking while ensuring even cooking throughout. This partial exposure allows some liquid reduction while maintaining sufficient moisture to cook the pasta properly. Continue cooking for approximately 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid has reduced to a sauce consistency that coats the back of a spoon. The pasta will release starches during cooking that naturally thicken the surrounding liquid into a creamy sauce.

Integrate Cheese Element

Remove pot from heat completely before adding shredded cheese. This cooling moment prevents the cheese from separating or becoming stringy in excessive heat. Add cheese gradually while stirring gently, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This measured approach creates a smooth, cohesive sauce rather than clumps of melted cheese. The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will melt the cheese perfectly without additional cooking.

Final Seasoning Adjustment

Taste the completed dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The cheese adds natural saltiness, so seasoning at the end prevents oversalting. Allow the finished chili mac to rest uncovered for 2-3 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to thicken slightly to perfect consistency while maintaining ideal serving temperature. This brief resting period transforms good into exceptional without additional ingredients or technique.

My mother always said the best one pot meals develop flavor in layers rather than all at once. I discovered through making this dish regularly that allowing the beef and onions to cook together from the beginning, rather than separately, creates significantly more flavor integration than adding them sequentially. This simple technique transformed an already excellent recipe into something memorably delicious that keeps everyone returning for more.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate this already satisfying dish with thoughtful accompaniments that enhance the experience. Create complete comfort with homemade garlic bread whose crisp, buttery exterior provides textural contrast to the creamy pasta while soaking up every bit of delicious sauce. For fresh balance, offer a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing whose acidity cuts through the richness of the chili mac. When serving for gatherings, set up a toppings bar including extra cheese, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and sour cream that allows guests to customize their bowls. For family style serving, present in a wide, shallow bowl that showcases the vibrant colors and textures while maintaining temperature longer than flat plates.

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Creative Variations

This versatile base recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications to create new experiences. Develop a southwestern version by adding black beans and corn during the final five minutes of cooking. Create a spicier profile by incorporating diced jalapeños with the onions or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice blend. Transform into a richer variation by topping with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and baking under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden. For a lighter adaptation, substitute ground turkey for beef and use half and half instead of heavy cream. Create a smoky version by adding a half teaspoon of liquid smoke with the broth or using fire roasted tomatoes in place of standard tomato sauce.

Storage Strategy

Preserve the excellence of this dish beyond initial serving through proper storage techniques. For immediate leftovers, cool completely before transferring to shallow airtight containers where it maintains quality refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating, add a small splash of beef broth or milk to refresh the sauce, warming gently over medium low heat until heated through. For individual portions, microwave with a damp paper towel cover to create steam that prevents drying. This recipe does not freeze well due to pasta texture changes upon thawing, so preparation should be planned for consumption within a few days. For meal prep convenience, the beef component can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated separately, then combined with fresh cooked pasta and cheese just before serving.

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I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when one pot meals became essential for weeknight sanity. What began as a practical solution to dinner challenges has become one of our family's most requested comfort foods. The combination of familiar flavors in a simplified preparation demonstrates how thoughtful technique often contributes more to exceptional results than complicated ingredients or elaborate methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on your chili powder and green chilies. Most chili powders are mild, but test yours first. Choose mild green chilies for less heat or hot for more kick.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, though the pasta may absorb more liquid when stored. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed, and add fresh cheese on top when reheating.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

The recipe suggests evaporated milk as an alternative. Regular milk isn't recommended as it might curdle with the acidic tomato sauce.

→ Can I freeze leftover chili mac?

Yes, but the pasta texture might change slightly. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.