Name: Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion; 1 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1 lb 93% lean ground beef; 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves); 4 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth, plus 1/2 cup more to thin if desired; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot depending on your preference); 8 oz dry elbow macaroni (2 cups); 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup half and half, or 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving if desired; Sliced green onions; Sour cream; Diced tomatoes; Cayenne pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 56 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, cheesy, and satisfying with just the right kick from the spices. I’m telling you, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for weeknights or anytime you want some serious comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best: The blend of chili spices and creamy cheddar makes it a cozy, satisfying dish everyone craves.
One-Pot Wonder: You get pasta, protein, veggies, and sauce all in a single pot—easy cleanup and less fuss.
Flexible and Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, cheese type, or even swap ground beef for turkey or veggies.
Family Friendly: This recipe always wins over my kids and friends, making it great for feeding a crowd or meal prep.

Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar, hearty chili mac recipe, easy beef pasta dinner, comforting ground beef casserole, cheesy chili mac dish - Two white bowls filled with a thick, hearty chili made of beef, kidney beans, macaroni pasta, and small red and green pepper pieces in a rich reddish-brown sauce, topped with shredded yellow and white cheese and chopped green onions. One bowl has a spoon inside, resting on a blue cloth that is spread on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a wooden plate holding several square pieces of golden-yellow cornbread. A broken piece of cornbread lies on the cloth near the plate with a few crumbs around it. Near the top left of the image, a small bowl of chopped green onions is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe plays its part to build a hearty, flavorful bowl. The balance between the beef’s richness, the warm spices, creamy cheese, and a touch of sweetness from the tomatoes creates that signature comforting vibe I love. And having elbow macaroni hold everything together makes it nostalgic and filling. When shopping, I always pick fresh produce and quality cheddar — it makes a noticeable difference.

Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar, hearty chili mac recipe, easy beef pasta dinner, comforting ground beef casserole, cheesy chili mac dish - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of diced green chilies, a small white ceramic bowl of dark red kidney beans, a small white ceramic bowl of pale creamy half and half, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of coarsely chopped yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped red bell pepper, a bundle of uncooked dry elbow macaroni, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A healthy fat that adds a subtle fruitiness; perfect for sautéing vegetables and browning beef without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, it’s the flavor base for the whole dish.
Red bell pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and color contrast—don’t skip it, it perks up the chili’s earthiness.
Ground beef (93% lean): Lean enough to keep the dish from getting greasy but juicy for meaty satisfaction.
Garlic: The secret magic that brightens flavors and rounds out the savory notes.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: Spice trio that gives this dish its smoky, warm chili flavor—essential, and adjust to your heat preference.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity, body, and a slightly sweet tomato base that balances spices and creaminess.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just right; I like low-sodium to control salt.
Diced green chilies: For a mild heat boost and tangy zip; you can opt for mild or hot depending on your spice tolerance.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures sauce and melds into the dish perfectly.
Kidney beans: Adds texture, heartiness and a nice protein boost; plus, they soak up the flavors wonderfully.
Half and half or heavy cream: Creamy richness that softens the chili’s spices and melts into the cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese—tangy, melty, and brings that satisfying gooeyness you crave.
Optional toppings (green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cayenne): These fresh or spicy accents balance and brighten the dish when served.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is so welcoming to customization — I love that! Over the years, I’ve enjoyed tweaking the spice level or swapping ingredients for what I have on hand. It’s all about making the dish yours without losing that comforting chili mac feel.

Vegetarian option: I’ve swapped ground beef for hearty mushrooms and added extra beans; still rich and satisfying without meat.
Heat it up: Sometimes I add jalapeños fresh or smoked chipotle powder for deeper smoky heat; just watch your spice tolerance!
Cheese variations: Mixing in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese gives the dish a fun twist; sharp cheddar brings the classic punch.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free elbow pasta for those avoiding gluten but want the same creamy, saucy feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Just Right

I start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat, then adding the chopped yellow onions and red bell peppers. I like to let them soften until they’re fragrant and just beginning to brown — about 5 minutes. It’s key to get that soft-sweet base because it builds the flavor layers for everything to come.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Separately

Once the veggies have settled on one side of the pot, I add the ground beef in chunks. I don’t stir immediately—I let it sear and develop some color for 3 minutes before breaking it up. That caramelization adds serious flavor depth. After breaking it up, I toss it with the veggies, add minced garlic, and cook until beef is nearly done—usually another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Next comes the magic: chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. I sprinkle them in and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This brief toasting wakes up the spices, boosting their aroma and intensity—don’t skip or rush this step, it’s a game changer!

Step 4: Build and Simmer the Sauce

I pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stirring those in right away infuses the chili flavor into the sauce. Then I add the elbow macaroni and kidney beans. I season with salt and black pepper, remembering I can always adjust later. Bringing it to a simmer before lowering the heat allows the pasta to slowly absorb all those flavors while the sauce thickens—about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, I take the pot off the heat and gently stir in half and half (or heavy cream if I’m feeling indulgent) and the sharp cheddar cheese. The creamy addition smooths and mellows the spices, while the cheese melts into gorgeous gooeyness. If the sauce feels thick, I thin it out with a splash more chicken broth until it’s just right for your spoon.

Pro Tips for Making Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Leaving space while browning beef helps you get a good sear instead of steaming it.
Toast Spices Early: Briefly cooking chili powder, cumin, and paprika unlocks their full flavor and aroma.
Stir Pasta Occasionally: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, but don’t stir constantly or you’ll break the noodles.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stirring in cheese when the pot is off the heat keeps it creamy and prevents clumping.

How to Serve Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar, hearty chili mac recipe, easy beef pasta dinner, comforting ground beef casserole, cheesy chili mac dish - A close-up view of a skillet filled with a rich macaroni chili dish showing three main layers: the base layer is a thick, reddish-brown chili sauce mixed with browned ground meat and diced tomatoes, the middle layer has medium-sized elbow macaroni evenly distributed, and the top layer is sprinkled with shredded yellow and white cheese and chopped bright green scallions. A wooden spoon is partly lifted from the skillet, scooping up the hearty mixture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I always reach for a handful of sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream—that creamy tang cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top just before serving for that melty cheese pull. If you like some heat, a dash of cayenne or fresh diced tomatoes brightens it up beautifully.

Side Dishes

I usually keep sides simple—a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli works well to balance the richness. For hearty dinners, garlic bread or crunchy cornbread are perfect partners to scoop up every drop of cheesy chili goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a family gathering, I served the chili mac in mini oven-safe ramekins, topped each with extra cheese, and broiled them to get a bubbly golden crust—everyone loved the individual servings and presentation. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or bake it topped with breadcrumbs for a comforting casserole twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead lunch or dinner option. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar freezes well, which has saved me on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and it keeps up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through heating to keep it creamy and evenly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat in this Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require a touch more oil for moisture and flavor. Adjust your seasoning to taste since different meats absorb spices differently.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To go vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mixture of mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. For vegan, also swap the dairy half and half and cheddar cheese for plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor punch if you like.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni? Can I use other pasta?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne all work well here. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly. The key is to use pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?

This Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder and green chilies, but nothing too intense. You can easily adjust by choosing mild or hot diced chilies and adding extra cayenne or jalapeños if you prefer more kick.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is one of those meals that just feels like home. I’ve made it countless times for busy weeknights, family dinners, and even potlucks, and it never disappoints. The combination of flavors, textures, and ease makes it something I genuinely look forward to cooking—and I hope you will too. So next time you want comfort food that’s quick, tasty, and crowd-pleasing, give this recipe a try. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.