Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet

Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet blends savory, cheesy comfort with easy weeknight cooking. This dish brings together ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese in one skillet for a simple, family-pleasing meal.

You get classic chili flavors and creamy mac and cheese without any complicated steps. The rich tomato sauce, mild spices, and gooey cheese make this meal perfect for a quick, filling dinner.

You can adapt the recipe for different tastes and have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. For more details, check out the Skillet Cheesy Chili Mac recipe.

Why You Will Love Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet

Cheesy chili mac skillet combines creamy mac and cheese with hearty chili flavors. It’s great for family dinners or busy weeknights.

Fast and Easy:
Chili mac cooks in one pan and is ready in about 30 minutes. There’s less mess and it’s quick to serve.

Family Friendly:
The mild, cheesy flavors appeal to kids, but adults can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Hearty & Filling:
Tender pasta, ground beef, and beans make this dish filling. Melted cheese adds a creamy texture.

Versatile:
Swap ground turkey for beef or add veggies like bell peppers or corn. You can skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

Budget-Friendly:
Most ingredients are pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, cheese, and ground meat. This makes cheesy chili mac a good choice when you want a quick, affordable meal.

How To Make Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet

This comfort food classic mixes pasta, cheese, and chili flavors in one skillet. With good prep and the right steps, you can turn simple pantry items into a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 1 can (14-15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)

These ingredients create a rich mix of cheese, spice, and beef. Smoked paprika adds depth, and diced tomatoes with beef broth make a tasty, saucy base.

Instruments

You’ll need these kitchen tools:

• Large 12-inch skillet (preferably nonstick, with a lid)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Sharp knife and cutting board for onion and garlic
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta if needed

A strong skillet ensures even cooking and holds everything in one pan. Use a lid to help the pasta cook evenly and prevent splatters.

Step By Step Instruction

Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens.

When the onion turns translucent, stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom for extra flavor.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, water, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir often until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in most of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and turns creamy.

Top with the rest of the cheese, cover, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt the top layer.

Tips & Tricks

Chop onions and garlic ahead of time for quicker prep. Pre-minced garlic from a jar also works.

Brown the ground beef well to add more flavor. This helps the chili mac taste richer.

Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar if you don’t have a Mexican blend. For extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the chili powder.

Stir often while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking or clumping.

Here’s a quick table for ingredient swaps:

Ingredient	Swap Ideas
Ground beef	Ground turkey or chicken
Mexican cheese	Cheddar, Monterey Jack
Macaroni	Small shells, penne

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.

Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onions for more vegetables.

Ingredient Substitute

Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet is flexible, and substitutes help if you’re missing something or want to adjust the recipe.

Cheese Alternatives:
If you don’t have cheddar, use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a mild flavor. For more spice, try a Mexican cheese blend or mix cheddar with pepper jack.

Meat Swaps:
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Plant-based proteins or crumbled tofu work for a vegetarian version.

Pasta Choices:
Small shells, rotini, or penne can replace macaroni. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice.

Tomato Base Upgrades:
Use crushed or diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. Add a spoon of tomato paste for richer flavor if you like.

Spice Tweaks:
If you’re out of chili powder or cumin, use taco seasoning or a pinch of smoked paprika. For a milder dish, use only salt and pepper.

Ingredient swap table:

Ingredient	Possible Substitute
Cheddar cheese	Monterey Jack, Mexican blend
Ground beef	Turkey, chicken, tofu
Macaroni	Shells, penne, gluten-free
Tomato sauce	Crushed or diced tomatoes
Chili powder	Taco seasoning, paprika

What To Serve With Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet

A fresh garden salad adds crunch and freshness. Mix lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for a cool side.

Cornbread is a classic match for chili mac. It’s sweet and soft, and tastes great with honey butter.

Coleslaw, with crunchy cabbage and a vinegar-based dressing, is quick and refreshing. This crisp salad balances the rich, cheesy skillet.

Garlic bread offers a garlicky crunch and is perfect for scooping up cheesy chili mac.

Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli round out the meal. Their flavor adds a healthy touch.

Side dish ideas table:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Garden Salad	Crisp, cool, and light
Cornbread	Sweet, soft, comforting
Coleslaw	Tangy, crunchy, refreshing
Garlic Bread	Buttery, garlicky, scoop-friendly
Roasted Vegetables	Nutritious and flavorful

How To Store Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet

Let the cheesy chili mac skillet cool for about 30 minutes after cooking. This prevents excess moisture in the container.

Spoon leftovers into an airtight container to keep the meal fresh.

Refrigerator Storage:

• Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Place on a shelf for even cooling.

Freezer Storage:

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label containers with the date.
• Chili mac stays good in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Lay freezer bags flat to save space.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Add a splash of water, broth, or milk to restore creaminess and keep the pasta moist.
• Heat in short intervals and stir between rounds for even warming.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

Here are key nutrition facts for a typical Cheesy Chili Mac Skillet (per serving):

Calories: 200–220
Carbohydrates: 28g
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 770mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 7g
Calcium: 200mg
Iron: 1.4mg
Vitamin A: 42% Daily Value

This dish provides about 15% of your daily protein and over a third of your daily vitamin A. It’s also a good source of calcium and iron.

If you watch your sodium, note that each serving can reach 770mg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheesy chili mac skillet brings together pasta, ground meat, beans, and a creamy cheese sauce in one pan. You can easily adjust the flavors, spice level, and ingredients to suit your needs.

What ingredients are needed for a one-skillet chili mac?

Start with ground beef or turkey, diced onion, and garlic. Add elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney or black beans.

Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Finish with shredded cheddar for a cheesy touch.

See more details at this chili mac recipe.

How do you make chili mac with beans?

Drain and rinse one can of beans such as kidney, black, or pinto beans. Stir them in with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth after you sauté the meat and onions.

Let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked and the flavors blend.

Can you share an easy recipe for cheeseburger chili mac and cheese?

Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Stir in cooked macaroni, a can of diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and your favorite chili spices.

Fold in shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. Top with extra cheese and let it melt.

What variations can I make to a southern chili mac recipe?

Add bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a different taste.

Add hot sauce or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick. Serve it with cornbread or top with green onions and parsley for color.

Visit this comfort food chili mac for inspiration.

How long does it take to prepare and cook a spicy chili mac dish?

Prep time is about 10-15 minutes for chopping and browning meat. Cooking on the stove takes another 25-30 minutes for the pasta to soften and the sauce to thicken.

You can have the dish ready in about 35-45 minutes. More timing details are at this easy chili mac recipe.

What type of cheese works best in a cheesy chili mac skillet?

Cheddar cheese melts well and brings a sharp flavor that balances chili spices.

Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend adds creaminess and stretch.

Some cooks mix in a little cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce.

For more cheesy suggestions, check out this cheesy chili mac recipe.