Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet
When you can’t decide between a bowl of hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese, Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet gives you the best of both.
Seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, tomatoes, beans, chili spices, and plenty of melted cheddar come together in one skillet for a warm, filling dinner that’s loaded with comfort-food flavor.
It’s beefy.
It’s cheesy.
It’s a little smoky.
And because the pasta cooks right in the same pan, cleanup is surprisingly easy.
This is exactly the kind of dinner that works on busy school nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend an hour washing pots afterward.
Serve it straight from the skillet with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad and dinner is done.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac
One-pan dinner. The beef, sauce, and pasta can all cook in the same skillet.
Ready quickly. Dinner can be on the table in roughly 30–35 minutes.
Family-friendly. Ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheese are familiar flavors.
Protein-rich. Beef, beans, and cheese make every serving filling.
Budget-friendly. Pasta and beans help stretch one pound of ground beef into several portions.
Great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Easy to customize. Make it spicy, creamy, extra cheesy, bean-free, or vegetable-loaded.
Food Network’s chili mac recipes use the same successful formula of ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, chili seasonings, and cheese.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Chili
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small red or green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, optional
Optional Toppings
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Extra cheddar
Best Ground Beef for Chili Mac
I recommend 85% to 90% lean ground beef.
That gives you enough fat for good flavor without making the finished skillet greasy.
If you’re using 80/20 ground beef, drain off the excess grease after browning.
You can also use:
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Ground pork
- Plant-based ground meat
USDA recommends cooking ground beef to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
How to Make Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles.
When the beef is browned and the onion has softened, drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Bell Pepper and Garlic
Add the diced bell pepper.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Then stir in the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
You want the garlic fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add the Chili Spices
Add:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Stir and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds.
Briefly warming the spices helps release their flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste.
Stir it into the beef and cook for approximately 1 minute.
This gives the chili mac a deeper tomato flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Stir in:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beans
- Beef broth
Mix everything thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Add the Macaroni
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover loosely and simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
The pasta should become tender while absorbing the seasoned beef broth and tomato sauce.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add another splash of beef broth.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Once the macaroni is al dente, reduce the heat to low.
Add the cheddar gradually.
Stir until completely melted.
Add Monterey Jack if you want an especially creamy, stretchy cheese finish.
Food Network’s Chili Mac and Cheese similarly combines chili-seasoned beef and macaroni with a rich cheddar-based cheese component.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes.
The sauce will thicken slightly.
Top with:
- Extra cheddar
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
Serve hot.
The Secret to Really Good Chili Mac
A few simple details make a major difference.
Brown the Beef Well
Don’t just cook the beef until it’s no longer pink.
Allow some browned edges to develop.
That creates more savory flavor.
Toast the Spices
Adding chili powder and cumin directly to the hot beef before adding liquid gives them more flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Remember that pasta continues softening slightly as the skillet rests.
Stop cooking when it’s just al dente.
Add Cheese Over Low Heat
High heat can cause cheese sauces to become oily or grainy.
Lower the temperature before stirring in cheddar.
Let the Skillet Rest
Five minutes gives the sauce time to cling to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom.
What Pasta Is Best for Chili Mac?
Elbow Macaroni
The classic choice.
It’s easy to eat and catches plenty of sauce.
Medium Shells
Every shell fills with beef and cheese.
Rotini
The spirals hold onto the chili sauce extremely well.
Cavatappi
A great option if you want a more substantial pasta.
Small Penne
Works well, though it may require slightly more cooking time.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
If you don’t have a seasoning packet, you don’t need one.
Mix:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne, optional
This gives you more control over the salt and spice level.
Cheesy Chili Mac Without Beans
Not everyone likes beans in chili.
Simply leave them out.
You may want to add another:
- ½ pound ground beef
or
- 1 cup corn
to make the skillet equally hearty.
The cooking method stays the same.
Chili Mac With Black Beans
Black beans are one of my favorite additions.
They provide:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Texture
- Extra servings without more beef
Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the skillet.
Make It Extra Cheesy
For an ultra-cheesy version, use:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- ½ cup Pepper Jack
You can also sprinkle more cheese over the skillet and place it under the broiler briefly until bubbling.
That creates a baked-casserole style cheese crust without transferring the meal to another dish.
Creamy Chili Mac
Want a creamier sauce?
Stir in one of these after the pasta is cooked:
4 ounces cream cheese
or
½ cup sour cream
or
½ cup heavy cream
Reduce the heat first.
Cream cheese gives the sauce the richest texture.
High-Protein Chili Mac
This dish already contains three excellent protein sources:
- Ground beef
- Beans
- Cheese
To increase the protein further:
- Use 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- Add extra beans
- Choose protein-enriched pasta
- Use cottage cheese in the sauce
- Add lean ground turkey alongside the beef
- Use higher-protein cheese
For blended cottage cheese, stir it in after reducing the heat.
This lets you naturally address readers searching for high-protein family dinners without turning the recipe into something unrelated.
Make It Spicy
For a hotter version, add:
- Jalapeños
- Cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper
- Hot chili powder
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Hot sauce
A small amount of chipotle in adobo gives the skillet especially good smoky heat.
Make It Mild for Kids
Use:
- Mild chili powder
- No cayenne
- Mild cheddar
- Plain diced tomatoes
Serve jalapeños and hot sauce separately.
That lets everyone adjust the heat at the table.
Add Corn
Corn works beautifully with chili mac.
Add approximately:
1 cup frozen or canned corn
along with the beans.
It adds color and a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
Add Vegetables
This skillet is easy to bulk up with vegetables.
Bell Peppers
Red, green, or yellow peppers all work.
Zucchini
Finely diced zucchini blends easily into the beef mixture.
Mushrooms
Sauté them with the onions.
Spinach
Stir fresh spinach into the hot skillet just before adding cheese.
Corn
One of the easiest additions for children.
One-Pot Chili Mac
The best part of this version is that the pasta cooks directly in the sauce.
That means you don’t have to:
- Boil pasta separately
- Drain it
- Wash another pot
As the macaroni cooks, starch from the pasta helps thicken the chili sauce.
This is what gives one-pot chili mac its particularly creamy consistency.
Can I Use Leftover Chili?
Absolutely.
This is one of the easiest ways to turn leftover chili into a completely different dinner.
You’ll need approximately:
- 4 cups prepared chili
- 8 ounces cooked macaroni
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar
Heat the chili.
Stir in cooked pasta.
Add cheese.
That’s it.
What to Serve With Chili Mac
Cornbread
Probably the best side.
Sweet cornbread works especially well with spicy chili mac.
Garlic Bread
Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Green Salad
Something crisp balances the rich cheese.
Roasted Broccoli
Easy and family-friendly.
Tortilla Chips
Use them for scooping.
Coleslaw
The cool crunch works well with chili spices.
Avocado Salad
Fresh avocado balances the smoky beef.
Chili Mac for Game Day
This skillet is an excellent football-season dinner.
Keep the chili mac warm and provide toppings such as:
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Hot sauce
Guests can customize their own bowls.
For serving food at gatherings, USDA advises keeping hot foods at 140°F or above.
Budget-Friendly Family Dinner
One pound of ground beef can go a long way when combined with:
- Pasta
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
To make the recipe even more economical:
Use store-brand macaroni.
Buy ground beef on sale.
Shred cheese from a block.
Add an extra can of beans.
Use homemade chili seasoning.
Add frozen corn.
It’s exactly the kind of meal that can feed several people without requiring a premium cut of meat.
Make-Ahead Chili Mac
For the best texture, prepare the chili portion ahead but wait to cook the macaroni.
Prepare:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Seasonings
Refrigerate.
When you’re ready for dinner:
- Reheat the chili mixture.
- Add broth.
- Add macaroni.
- Simmer until tender.
- Stir in cheese.
This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid overnight.
Meal Prep Cheesy Chili Mac
This recipe is excellent for meal prep.
Divide the finished skillet into individual airtight containers.
Add toppings such as sour cream or avocado only after reheating.
Pair servings with:
- Broccoli
- Salad
- Green beans
for easy weekday lunches.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer leftovers into shallow airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.
USDA recommends refrigerating perishable cooked food within 2 hours and generally using cooked leftovers within 3–4 days.
How to Reheat Chili Mac
Stovetop
Place leftovers in a skillet or saucepan.
Add a splash of:
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Water
Heat gently while stirring.
Microwave
Place one serving in a microwave-safe container.
Add a small splash of liquid.
Cover loosely and heat until thoroughly hot.
USDA recommends reheating leftovers to 165°F.
Can You Freeze Chili Mac?
Yes, though the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.
For best texture, I prefer freezing the chili beef mixture without the macaroni.
Prepare the chili base.
Cool it properly.
Freeze in airtight containers.
Then when you need dinner:
- Thaw the chili.
- Reheat it.
- Cook fresh macaroni.
- Combine.
- Add cheese.
If convenience matters more than texture, you can freeze the finished chili mac in individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chili mac?
Chili mac is a comfort-food combination of chili-style seasoned ground beef and macaroni, usually finished with cheese.
Food Network versions similarly combine ground beef, chili spices, tomatoes, macaroni, beans, and cheese.
Can I cook macaroni directly in chili?
Yes.
For a one-pot version, add enough broth so the pasta can cook directly in the chili mixture.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes.
Ground turkey is a good substitute.
Ground poultry should reach 165°F.
Can I leave out the beans?
Absolutely.
Add more beef, vegetables, or corn if desired.
What cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is my first choice.
Other good options include:
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
- Mexican cheese blend
Why is my chili mac dry?
The pasta probably absorbed too much broth.
Add a splash of broth or tomato sauce.
Why is it too watery?
Let the skillet simmer uncovered for another few minutes.
It will also thicken as it rests.
Can I use leftover cooked macaroni?
Yes.
Reduce the broth significantly and stir cooked pasta in near the end.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes.
Use a large Dutch oven rather than a shallow skillet.
You may need a little extra broth.
Easy Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can kidney or black beans, drained
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- ½ cup Monterey Jack, optional
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beef broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add uncooked macaroni.
- Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add more broth if necessary.
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Chili Mac
Add cooked bacon and extra cheddar.
Spicy Jalapeño Chili Mac
Add jalapeños and Pepper Jack.
Creamy Chili Mac
Add cream cheese or sour cream.
Taco Chili Mac
Replace chili seasoning with taco seasoning and add corn.
Three-Cheese Chili Mac
Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
Beef & Bean Chili Mac
Double the beans for a more filling, budget-friendly version.
Loaded Chili Mac
Top with avocado, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet is exactly the kind of dinner that earns a permanent place in a busy family’s recipe rotation.
You get hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, beans, smoky chili seasoning, and loads of melted cheddar in one warm skillet.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, filling enough for hungry families, affordable enough for regular meal planning, and perfect for leftovers.
And because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is much easier than making chili and macaroni separately.