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Chili Mac & Cheese

November 30, 2023 by Gina + Leave a Comment

A big dish of total comfort food. Combining mac and cheese with a meaty chili to make what I like to call Chili Mac. Grab a spoon and dive into this pot.

Jump to Recipe

One-pot dishes and casseroles were big in my house growing up. Because of that, this chili mac and cheese is somewhat nostalgic and very comforting. The beef chili combo with pasta kind of reminds me of hamburger helper in a way. Does anyone remember that one? But this is better, so much better. It’s got lots of cheese and a chili flavor kick.

There is kind of a lot going on in this dish, it being both chili and mac and cheese. But it’s not complicated and the ingredients are simple. While you are boiling the pasta, you start making the chili. Cook the pasta in stock (beef or chicken) because you will want that extra flavor infusion. Then brown the beef with the onion. Add garlic and seasonings, then canned tomato sauce, beans, then some of the stock from the pasta. The longer you can let the chili simmer, the better. Then stir in the pasta and cheese. Top with more cheese. This will feed about six servings. It’s a hearty, filling dish.


Ingredients needed for the Chili Mac & Cheese

  • Macaroni pasta
  • 1lb ground beef or bison (I love bison)
  • Kidney beans
  • Tomato sauce
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Beef or chicken stock
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt & pepper

How to Make the Chili Mac & Cheese

  • Boil the pasta in some water and stock. While you’re waiting for the liquid to boil, start the chili.
  • Add a little oil to a large pot. I use my cast iron, but any large pot will work too. Cook the onion and meat. Add the garlic and seasoning and coat the meat.
  • Then add the tomato sauce and beans with a cup of broth/water from the pasta. Let simmer on low as long as you can before stirring in the pasta. If you are making this quickly you can add the pasta right in.
  • Give it a good mix then stir in half the shredded cheese. Add the rest of the shredded cheese. You can cover it to let it melt or pop it under the broiler for just a couple of minutes.

What’s to love about this Chii Mac & Cheese

  • This is a hearty meal that is perfect for colder nights.
  • The dish makes a good amount so it can feed a family or you will have plenty of leftovers, which also makes it great for meal planning.
  • The ingredients are rather simple but the dish has lots of flavor.

More recipes you will like…

  • One-Pot Sausage and Kale Pasta
  • Creamy Sausage Pasta
  • One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Tips & FAQ for the Chili Mac

What kind of meat to use:

I’ve used ground beef and ground bison but I would imagine ground chicken or turkey would work too. Even a meat substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Can we make these ahead of time?

Yes, I would just not add the cheese on top and when you go to warm it, spread that remaining cheese.

Best cheese to use:

I like cheddar and monterey jack for this one.


Chili Mac & Cheese

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or bison
  • 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 15oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp worchestishire sauce
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef or chicken stock
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, packed
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling stock with another 2 cups water. Cook pasta until al dente.
  • While the water boils then pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pot or casiron. Add the diced onion and ground meat. Break down meat as much as you can.
  • When the meat is cooked, add the seasoning along with a generous pinch of salt then the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Coat the onions and meat. Add the beans and tomato sauce. Stir to combine
  • Pour in 1 cup of the pasta water/stock into the chili and let simmer. You can let it simmer for a while to develop more flavor or just add the pasta.
  • Once you stir in the pasta, taste and adjust the salt if needed. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. Top with the remainder of the cheese. Place under the broiler or just cover to melt the cheese. Serve with favorite toppings like green onion, and hot sauce, those are mine!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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gina_gibson_

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Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
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A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
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SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
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Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

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🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

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If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
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This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
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🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
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Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

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