Cheesy Chili Mac Bake is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, rich tomato sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It brings together the bold flavor of chili and the creamy comfort of baked pasta in one easy dish.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Everything is cooked in one skillet, transferred to a baking dish, topped with cheese, and baked until hot and bubbly.
Serve this cheesy chili mac with a simple green salad, cornbread, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a filling meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, affordable, and full of flavor. The ground beef and beans make it filling, while the pasta and melted cheese give it a cozy comfort-food texture.
It is also flexible. You can make it mild for the whole family or add extra chili seasoning and red pepper flakes for more heat. You can also change the cheese, use ground turkey, or add vegetables.
The leftovers taste delicious the next day, making this a great meal-prep recipe.
Recipe Information
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. It makes around 6 servings.
For the best texture, cook the macaroni just until tender before mixing it into the chili sauce. It will continue to soften slightly while baking.
Ingredients
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons chili seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley or green onions, optional
How to Make Cheesy Chili Mac Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, chili seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir for one minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and kidney beans. Stir well and let the chili mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until every piece is coated in the rich chili sauce.
Transfer the chili mac mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Chili Mac
Use a large skillet so you have enough room to mix the macaroni with the chili sauce. If your skillet is small, mix everything in a large bowl before transferring it to the baking dish.
Do not overcook the macaroni. Slightly firm pasta gives the finished bake a better texture and prevents it from becoming too soft.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both bold flavor and a stretchy melted topping.
If the chili sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.
Easy Variations
For a spicier chili mac, add diced jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
For a vegetable-packed version, add diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onion.
For a creamy version, stir a small amount of sour cream or cream cheese into the chili mixture before baking.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
What to Serve With Cheesy Chili Mac Bake
Cornbread is a perfect side dish because it pairs beautifully with the rich chili flavors. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also great for enjoying the extra sauce.
For a fresh balance, serve the bake with a green salad, cucumber salad, or roasted broccoli. You can also top individual portions with sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced avocado.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. You can also reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through.
This recipe freezes well too. Let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip draining the ground beef if there is a lot of grease in the skillet. Too much grease can make the chili mac heavy.
Avoid using too much liquid. The sauce should be rich and thick enough to cling to the macaroni.
Do not add the cheese too early while the chili is simmering. The cheese topping is best added just before baking so it stays melted and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta? Yes. Small shells, rotini, penne, or cavatappi all work well.
Can I make this without beans? Yes. Simply leave out the kidney beans or replace them with extra ground beef.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the chili mac in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use different cheese? Yes. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all delicious choices.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chili Mac Bake is a warm, satisfying recipe that combines tender pasta, savory beef, beans, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is easy to make, simple to customize, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Make this comforting pasta bake whenever you need a flavorful dinner that is sure to disappear fast.