Where Hearty Chili Meets Cheesy Mac & Cheese
Imagine the soul-warming, spicy richness of a classic beef chili, now meet the creamy, indulgent comfort of macaroni and cheese. This is Chili Macaroni au Bœuf, the ultimate comfort food fusion that creates a meal greater than the sum of its delicious parts. Perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or simply satisfying a deep craving, this one-pot wonder is a guaranteed family favorite.
This recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels. We’ll guide you through each simple step, offering pro tips to customize the spice level and texture to your perfect preference. Get ready to make a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Chili Macaroni au Bœuf Recipe
Image 1: Main Hero Image
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for the Ultimate Chili Mac
Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe yields about 6 generous servings.
For the Chili Mac Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor)
- Optional: ½ pound (225g) ground pork or Italian sausage for extra depth.
Spices & Seasonings (The Flavor Foundation):
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances acidity and heat)
Liquids & Canned Goods:
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup water
Pasta & Cheese (The “Mac” Star Players):
- 2 cups (about 200g) dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (about 4 oz / 115g) shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
For Garnish (Highly Recommended):
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
- A dollop of sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
Easy One Pot Chili Mac Ingredients
Image 2: Ingredient Arrangement Shot
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chili Macaroni au Bœuf
Follow these numbered steps for a foolproof cooking journey.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (and pork/sausage, if using).
- Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully drain any excess fat, if desired (leaving a few tablespoons adds flavor).
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
This is a crucial step for deep flavor! Add all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper) and the brown sugar to the browned meat. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. You’ll smell the spices becoming wonderfully aromatic.
Cooking Process Shot
Step 4: Build the Chili Base
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, drained beans, beef broth, and water.
- Stir well to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle bubble.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
- Important: The liquid will be absorbed significantly. If the pot looks dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or broth.
Step 6: The Cheesy Finale
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. The residual heat is enough to melt the cheese smoothly.
Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- Let the chili mac sit, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with your chosen toppings.
How to make creamy chili mac in one pot
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Chili Mac
- Pasta Choice: Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, cavatappi, or rotini also work well and hold sauce beautifully.
- Control the Heat: For mild chili mac, omit the cayenne and use mild chili powder. For a kick, add diced jalapeños with the onions or use pepper jack cheese. Let individuals add hot sauce at the table.
- Bean Varieties: Feel free to use black beans, great northern beans, or a mix. You can also use 2 cans of one type if preferred.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creaminess.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding liquid as needed.
- Texture Tweaks: For a thicker sauce, uncover for the last few minutes of cooking. For a saucier dish, add an extra ½ cup of broth.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Food Awaits
Chili Macaroni au Bœuf is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for hungry nights, a centerpiece for casual gatherings, and a hug in a bowl. It successfully combines two beloved classics into a uniquely satisfying, creamy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
We encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with the spices, try different cheeses, or add your favorite chili ingredients like corn or mushrooms. Once you experience the simplicity and incredible result of this one-pot wonder, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
So, tie on your apron, grab your pot, and get ready to create the ultimate comfort food fusion. Don’t forget to share your delicious results and tag your creations! Happy cooking!
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