This Chili Mac recipe is a weeknight winner! It’s a simple and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of chili with the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a delicious and comforting meal without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, thanks to its familiar flavors and cheesy goodness.
- Quick and easy: It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your dinner!
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, chili beans, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients for Chili Mac
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Family-Size Box of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese: Provides the pasta and cheese sauce for the base of the dish.
- Lean Ground Beef: Adds a hearty protein boost.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a savory base to the dish.
- Chili Beans: Adds a hearty texture and a touch of spice.
- Mild Rotel: Diced tomatoes and green chilies add a zesty kick.
- Mild Chili Seasoning: Adds a blend of spices for that classic chili flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Chili Mac
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni noodles from the box of Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese according to package directions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked pasta, chili beans (undrained), Rotel (undrained), and chili seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let cook for 5-8 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Sauce
Stir in the cheese sauce from the foil packet of the mac and cheese box. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Chili Mac immediately. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ground meat chopper: Use a ground meat chopper to easily break up the ground beef while cooking.
- Mild chili seasoning: Use a mild packet of chili seasoning mix for a less intense flavor.
- Rotel: You can use mild, medium, or hot Rotel depending on your spice preference.
- Chili beans: Make sure to use canned pinto beans in chili sauce.
- Larger pot: Use a large skillet or pot to accommodate all the ingredients.
How to Serve Chili Mac
- Weeknight dinner: This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Casual gathering: It’s also a great option for a casual get-together or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat the Chili Mac gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as elbow macaroni or rotini.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the ground beef and onions on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through.
My Chili Mac is too thick, what should I do?
If your Chili Mac is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Chili Mac. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintChili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Mac Recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s made with pantry staples like boxed mac and cheese, ground beef, and canned goods, and it comes together in just 25 minutes.
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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the macaroni noodles (from the box of deluxe mac & cheese) according to package instructions. Save the foil pack of cheese sauce for later. Once done, drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Set aside for later.
- Brown Beef and Onions: Cook and crumble the ground beef and onion in a large skillet pan over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chili beans, Rotel, and chili seasoning. Stir to combine and let cook for about 5-8 minutes.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Add the cheese sauce from the foil packet into the pan and stir well to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately! Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Ground Meat Chopper: A ground meat chopper is helpful for breaking up the ground beef into small pieces.
- Mild Chili Seasoning: Use a mild packet of chili seasoning mix for the best flavor.
- Rotel: Even the mild version of Rotel has a slight spice to it. You can also use medium or hot Rotel if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Chili Beans: Use canned pinto beans in a mild chili sauce.
- Use a Larger Pot: Make sure you are cooking the ground beef in a pot or pan big enough to hold all of the ingredients.
- Spice Level: This version of chili mac is slightly spicy because of the mild Rotel tomatoes.
- To Make It Spicier: Use medium or hot Rotel tomatoes, use a packet of hot or regular chili seasoning, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the mixture, or garnish with sliced jalapeños and/or shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
- To Make It Milder: Use a can of petite diced tomatoes instead of mild Rotel, or use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Try using a sweeter Vidalia onion. You can also try using a can of regular pinto beans that have been drained and rinsed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *