I’ve been searching forever for that perfect weeknight recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, and kid-approved. This Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef is my current obsession—combining the warm, spicy goodness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with family. Want to know my secret ingredient that takes this from good to absolutely crave-worthy?
Why You’ll Love this Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef
Who doesn’t crave a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying after a long day?
This one-pot wonder combines two classic favorites—chili and macaroni—into a hearty dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The ground beef provides protein, while kidney beans add fiber and texture.
It’s budget-friendly too, stretching a pound of meat to feed the whole family. The melty cheddar cheese pulls everything together, creating that irresistible gooey goodness.
Perfect for weeknights when I’m short on time but still want something homemade and delicious. Comfort food at its finest.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef?
This Chili Mac with Ground Beef is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create something truly magical. The beauty of this recipe lies in how everyday ingredients transform into a comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
I’m always amazed by how these basic components create such deep, satisfying flavors when they come together in one pot.
- 1 pound ground beef (lean works great)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
While the ingredient list is straightforward, there’s room for customization based on what you have on hand.
Don’t have kidney beans? Black beans or pinto beans work wonderfully too. Looking for more heat? Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. The beef provides the foundation, but turkey or plant-based ground substitutes can work for different dietary needs.
And regarding the cheese—why stop at cheddar? A Mexican blend or even pepper jack can add interesting flavor dimensions.
How to Make this Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef
The beauty of this chili mac is how quickly it comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large cast iron pot over medium-high heat, as premium cast iron cookware distributes heat evenly for perfect browning. Once the meat has lost its pink color, toss in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Let them mingle with the beef until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This aromatic base is what gives our chili mac its deep, savory foundation—don’t rush this step, as those caramelized flavors are everything.
Next comes the transformation from basic beef to chili magic. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, stirring to coat everything evenly. The spice will bloom in the hot fat, releasing its essential oils and flavors. Then add one 15-ounce can of drained kidney beans, one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), and 2 cups of beef broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once bubbling, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni directly to the pot—no need to cook it separately, which is honestly my favorite part about one-pot meals. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover partially with a lid, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.
The final touch that takes this dish from good to irresistible? One cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it directly into the hot mixture until it melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. I sometimes like to hold back a little cheese to sprinkle on top of each serving, where it melts into stretchy, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls.
For extra richness, a dollop of sour cream on top creates a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy, warm chili mac beneath. And there we’ve it—dinner is served in about 30 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What to Serve with Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef
While our one-pot chili mac is certainly hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with complementary sides can turn this weeknight wonder into a feast worth remembering.
I love serving a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Cornbread muffins? Absolute perfection for sopping up that savory sauce.
For veggie options, try roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.
Need something cooling? A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt works wonders.
And don’t forget drinks—a cold beer or lemonade cuts through the spice beautifully. Talk about dinner bliss.
Leftovers and Storage for this Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef
Fortunately for busy home cooks, this hearty chili mac actually tastes better the next day as all those delicious flavors meld together overnight.
I recommend storing leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta might absorb more liquid as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of beef broth if needed.
For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Talk about meal prep magic, right?
Hearty Homemade Chili Mac Beef Substitutions and Variations
Now that we’ve got storage covered, let’s talk about making this recipe your own!
The beauty of chili mac is how flexible it is.
Don’t have kidney beans? Black or pinto beans work perfectly.
Vegetarian? Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or an extra can of beans.
Spice-lovers can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
For a creamier texture, try stirring in a dollop of cream cheese.
Whole grain pasta adds fiber, while gluten-free pasta makes this accessible for everyone.
Cheese options are endless—pepper jack adds heat, while monterey jack melts beautifully.
Final Thoughts
After making this chili mac recipe dozens of times, I’ve come to appreciate how it brings together comfort and convenience in one delicious pot.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients transforming into something truly satisfying.
What I love most? It’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand. No kidney beans? Use black beans. Out of cheddar? Monterey Jack works beautifully.
This dish reminds us that homemade meals don’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
For a healthier twist, consider making a lentil vegetable soup which offers similar satisfaction with plant-based protein.
A bubbling pot of chili mac, with its perfect balance of spice, protein, and cheesy goodness, might just become your family’s new weeknight favorite.