Chili mac is a delicious twist on a classic dinner recipe your family will love. Made with just a few simple ingredients, and ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect meal for a busy night.
Don’t forget to make a side of Cheesy Breadsticks or a toasted slice of homemade Artisan Bread to mop up every last bite of this delicious dinner.
Chili Macaroni & Cheese
This chili mac is a simple, delicious recipe that has been handed down from my husband’s grandma, to my mother-in-law to me! It is a kid favorite that adults enjoy too! Not only does it taste delicious, it is also super simple to put together.
When I tell my kids we are having pasta for dinner, I usually get all kinds of protests and groans and more questions about whether or not they have to eat the “red sauce.” (NONE of my kids like marinara – weirdos!)
But this chili mac dish gets a different reaction. There’s usually cheers of excitement and smiles all around. You know I’m not lying because there are never any leftovers when dinner is over. Every last piece of macaroni is gobbled up in no time at all! (Kind of amazing what a can of chili and some macaroni noodles can do!)
How To Make Chili Mac
Boil Noodles – Start by preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is warming up, use a large pot to cook your macaroni noodles according to the directions on the box. To save a mess on your stove top, I like to use a spill stopper (my new best friend in the kitchen). Once cooked, drain the pasta and then set it aside.
Cook Meat – While the macaroni is cooking, brown the ground beef on the stove. Once it’s cooked, drain the meat and then add it to the pot of cooked pasta.
Mix – Add the chili and tomato soup to the pot and then give it a good stir until everything has blended together. Pour the chili mac into a 9 x 13 casserole dish and then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
Cook – Bake the chili mac in the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until it is heated throughout and the cheese has melted.
Recipe Tips
Sizing – Just be aware that different brands chili and tomato soup may come in different size cans than what I have listed below.
Mix It Up – I typically will use cheddar cheese when making chili mac but other cheeses are just as delicious. Experimenting with different cheese, or adding vegetables, can really add delicious flavors to this recipe.
Best Cheese – Do your taste buds a favor and shred a block of cheese when you make this recipe. Not only does fresh cheese taste better but it also melts better than the pre-shredded version.
More Easy Pasta Dinners
- Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Build Your Own Pasta Bar
- Easiest Homemade Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
- One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Chili Macaroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 15 oz chili without beans, unless you love beans!
- 10.75 oz tomato soup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot, boil and drain your pasta. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, brown and drain your ground beef, then add it to your pot of cooked, drained pasta.
- Stir in the chili and tomato soup and blend well.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and pasta is heated through.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
How have I never made this before?!?! This was super easy and my kids loved it!
This is definitely one of our favorite recipes!