Name: Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Oil; 1 pound Ground Beef (ground chuck, ground round, or ground sirloin); 2 tablespoon Chili Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste; ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, leave out if you prefer no spice); 1 Medium Onion, finely diced; 5-6 Garlic Cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste; 4 cups Beef Broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes, do not drain; 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1 Bay Leaf; 1-2 Dried Whole Chili Peppers (such as Chili de Arbol) – optional; 1 (15 ounce) Can Red Beans, drained and rinsed; 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni; Shredded Cheese for serving (optional); Sliced Green Onions for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 77 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying, and comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Easy Chili Mac Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a fantastic combination of rich, seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and hearty beans all simmered in a flavorful tomato and chili broth. This dish is incredibly simple to make but packs layers of bold flavors that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds without hesitation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe brings warmth and fullness that your family and guests will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small clear glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing a different ingredient. Starting from the top left, a bowl holds raw ground beef with a pinkish-red color. To its right, a larger glass measuring cup is filled with dark brown beef broth. Below that, another cup contains bright red diced tomatoes, and next to it is a measuring cup with a smooth dark red tomato sauce. To the left, a bowl holds yellow macaroni pasta with a curved shape, and below it, a bowl of finely chopped white onions sits. Further left is a small bowl of shiny dark red kidney beans. At the bottom left, a bowl contains a mix of different spices in varied colors including reds, browns, and yellows. Next to it are smaller bowls; one with dark brown Worcestershire sauce, one with red tomato paste, and one with light yellow oil. On the bottom right, small bowls contain crushed garlic, a dark green bay leaf, and two dried red chili peppers. The overall layout is clear and organized, with colors that contrast well against the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Chili Mac Recipe lies in how straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create such an irresistible meal. Each component adds a unique touch—from the aromatic spices to the tender elbow macaroni, everything works in harmony for a rich, vibrant dish.

Oil (1 tablespoon): The foundation for sautéing, bringing out deep flavors in the beef and vegetables.
Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose chuck, round, or sirloin for a juicy and flavorful protein base.
Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): This is where the heart of the chili flavor shines through with warmth and spice.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a mellow garlic kick that complements the fresh garlic cloves.
Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and depth to the chili profile.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle heat and sharpness to balance the dish.
Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra spice, this brings a nice, controlled heat.
Medium Onion (1, finely diced): Sweetness and a tender texture that melds beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic Cloves (5-6, minced): Fresh garlic amps up the flavor intensity much better than powder alone.
Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds concentrated tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
Beef Broth (4 cups): Creates a savory liquid base that’s crucial for simmering and melding flavors.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Provides fresh tomato chunks and juicy texture to the chili.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 ounces): Smooth tomato flavor that balances acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A secret ingredient for umami depth and an appealing tang.
Bay Leaf (1): Infuses subtle herbal notes into the simmering sauce.
Dried Whole Chili Peppers (1-2, optional): Perfect if you want a little smoky heat; skip if you prefer mild.
Red Beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds heartiness and protein while enhancing texture.
Elbow Macaroni (8 ounces): The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Shredded Cheese (optional): A melty, creamy topping that takes the dish over the top.
Sliced Green Onions (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor at serving.

How to Make Easy Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix and Brown the Beef

Start by mixing the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne into a small bowl. This spice blend will be the backbone of your Easy Chili Mac Recipe, giving it that classic chili flavor you know and love. Heat oil in your pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef and sprinkle the seasoning evenly. Let the beef cook undisturbed in a single layer a couple of minutes before stirring, allowing it to develop a rich brown crust. This step is key for maximizing flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Tomato Paste

Once the beef has turned beautifully browned, incorporate the finely diced onions. Cook until they soften and become translucent, about two minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste next, stirring often to prevent burning. The tomato paste will deepen the sauce’s flavor and give it that satisfying thickness.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and toss in the bay leaf and dried chili peppers if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a boil to wake up all the flavors. Then, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes so the ingredients meld together into a harmonious sauce.

Step 4: Add Beans and Continue Simmering

Stir in the red beans, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This further thickens the chili base and infuses the beans with all that lovely seasoning. Keeping the pot at a gentle simmer ensures your flavors deepen without drying out.

Step 5: Cook the Elbow Macaroni in the Sauce

Turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil and add the elbow macaroni, stirring thoroughly so the pasta won’t stick together. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently at first to keep the macaroni from settling and sticking to the bottom. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that delicious chili flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Final Touches

After cooking, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the chili mac rest for 5 minutes, stirring a few times during this time. This resting stage allows the pasta to finish cooking perfectly and the flavors to settle. Remove the bay leaf and any dried chili peppers before serving. Taste the dish and add extra salt if desired.

How to Serve Easy Chili Mac Recipe

A close-up image shows a pot filled with a rich, bubbling red-brown stew with visible tomato pieces and a dried chili floating on the surface. A woman's hand is pouring shiny dark red kidney beans from a transparent bowl into the stew. The pot is cream-colored inside with a blue outer rim, sitting on a black stove, while the background is a white marbled texture. The colors mix warm reds and browns with the glossy kidney beans about to sink into the stew, creating a hearty and thick look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings can elevate your Easy Chili Mac Recipe to a new level of indulgence. Classic choices include shredded cheese for a gooey, melty layer and sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or even a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Each garnish adds its own flair and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad to balance the richness or crunchy garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of chili goodness. For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables or a side of cornbread to keep things all-American and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the chili mac in rustic cast iron skillets for an inviting, homey vibe right at the table. Alternatively, hollow out a few bell peppers and stuff them with chili mac for colorful, portioned servings that also increase your veggie intake effortlessly. You can even bake the chili mac topped with extra cheese for a bubbly casserole-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chili Mac Recipe makes excellent leftovers as the flavors deepen overnight. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the macaroni may absorb some liquid during freezing, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Chili Mac Recipe slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir often to distribute heat evenly and to refresh the texture. If using a microwave, cover the container loosely and stir halfway through reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option. Just be mindful that they might cook slightly faster and have a milder flavor, so consider adjusting your seasonings accordingly.

Is it necessary to add dried chili peppers?

No, dried chili peppers are optional and mainly for adding a subtle smoky heat. If you prefer a milder dish or want to avoid extra spice, simply leave them out without impacting the recipe overall.

What type of cheese works best for topping?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for chili mac, providing a sharp, melty contrast. However, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses work wonderfully depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and use extra beans or lentils instead. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and increase the spices to keep the deep chili flavor.

How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking?

Stirring frequently during the pasta cooking stage is key, especially at the beginning, because the macaroni tends to settle at the bottom. Maintaining a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil also helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chili Mac Recipe is a total winner when it comes to quick, flavorful comfort food that fills you up in the best possible way. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or saving some for the next day’s lunch. You’re going to love how easy it is to make yet how impressive it tastes. Give it a try and soon it’ll become one of your go-to soul-satisfying meals!