18 Spicy Chili Mac Recipes Delicious

Ready to turn up the heat in your kitchen? Our roundup of 18 Spicy Chili Mac Recipes is here to save your dinner routine with a delicious twist on comfort food. Whether you’re craving something quick, hearty, or packed with flavor, these recipes promise to deliver. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into a world where mac meets chili in the most mouthwatering ways!

Classic Chili Mac with Ground Beef

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty Classic Chili Mac with Ground Beef, a perfect blend of spicy chili and tender pasta that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions before serving.

The magic of this dish lies in the melding of flavors as the pasta absorbs the rich, spicy chili, creating a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic.

Vegetarian Chili Mac with Black Beans

This Vegetarian Chili Mac with Black Beans is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the comfort of macaroni with the boldness of chili, all in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and 2 cups vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
4. Stir in elbow macaroni; reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat; sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and let sit for 2 minutes until melted.
6. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

The smoky paprika and cumin give this dish a depth of flavor that’s unexpected in such a simple recipe, while the melted cheese adds a creamy finish.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onion and bell pepper.

Spicy Three Cheese Chili Mac

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of Spicy Three Cheese Chili Mac, where creamy meets spicy in the most comforting way possible.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the kidney beans. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The blend of three cheeses creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly balances the heat from the spices.

Tip: For an extra kick, top with sliced jalapeños before baking.

Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese

This Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese combines the heartiness of chili with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, elbow macaroni, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the macaroni is tender.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.

The magic of this dish lies in the slow melding of spices and cheese, creating a depth of flavor that’s both rich and comforting.

Tip: For an extra kick, top with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

One Pot Chili Mac with Elbow Pasta

Imagine combining the heartiness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese—this One Pot Chili Mac with Elbow Pasta is your weeknight dinner hero.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup elbow pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Stir in elbow pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.

The magic of this dish lies in the melty cheese topping that perfectly complements the spicy, savory chili base.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onion in step 1.

Chili Mac with Cornbread Topping

Comfort food gets a cozy upgrade with this Chili Mac topped with a golden cornbread crust—perfect for those nights when only a hearty, one-dish meal will do.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
4. In a bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package directions using 1/3 cup milk and 1 egg. Spread the batter evenly over the chili mixture.
5. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

The magic of this dish lies in the contrast between the spicy, savory chili and the sweet, fluffy cornbread topping—a match made in comfort food heaven.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño to the chili mixture before baking.

Healthy Turkey Chili Mac

This Healthy Turkey Chili Mac is a cozy twist on two classics, combining the heartiness of chili with the comfort of macaroni in one skillet wonder.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until turkey is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Stir in macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until macaroni is tender.
5. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and cilantro. Cover for 2 minutes to melt cheese.

The magic of this dish lies in the melding of spices and cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and turkey.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper.

Chili Mac Stuffed Peppers

Transform your weeknight dinner with these Chili Mac Stuffed Peppers, a hearty and comforting dish that combines the best of two classics in one.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in cooked macaroni.
4. Stand the bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the chili mac mixture, packing it down lightly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle each pepper with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.

The melty cheese topping and the tender-crisp peppers create a delightful contrast that makes every bite interesting.

Tip: For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.

Mexican Style Chili Mac with Avocado

This Mexican Style Chili Mac with Avocado is a cozy twist on the classic, blending hearty pasta with bold spices and creamy avocado for a dish that’s as comforting as it is vibrant.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and black beans to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the cooked macaroni and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined and the cheese begins to melt.
5. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Garnish with diced avocado and fresh cilantro before serving.

The creamy avocado adds a fresh, buttery contrast to the spicy, cheesy chili mac, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Chili Mac Soup for Cold Days

When the chill sets in, nothing beats the comfort of a bowl of Chili Mac Soup, blending the heartiness of chili with the cozy familiarity of macaroni.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

The magic of this soup lies in the melty cheese pulling together the spicy chili and tender pasta for a truly comforting bite.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce with the chili powder.

BBQ Chicken Chili Mac

This BBQ Chicken Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the smoky sweetness of barbecue with the hearty warmth of chili and the creamy delight of mac and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chicken broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add macaroni to the pot, stirring to combine. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve topped with sour cream and green onions.

The magic of this dish lies in the BBQ sauce’s caramelized depth mingling with the creamy cheese and tender pasta, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.

Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, try using a chipotle-infused BBQ sauce.

Chili Mac with a Kick of Jalapenos

Spice up your dinner routine with this Chili Mac that packs a punch thanks to fresh jalapenos, blending comfort food with a little heat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and jalapenos until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

The jalapenos add a fresh, vibrant heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite exciting.

Tip: For an extra kick, leave the seeds in one of the jalapenos.

Gluten-Free Chili Mac

Looking for a comforting, gluten-free twist on a classic? This Gluten-Free Chili Mac combines hearty flavors and a cheesy finish that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, gluten-free elbow macaroni, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
3. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.

The magic of this dish lies in the one-pot method, melding the robust chili flavors with the creamy cheese topping without any gluten in sight.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onion in step 1.

Chili Mac with Sweet Potatoes

This Chili Mac with Sweet Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of chili, all topped with roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tbsp olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni and beef mixture in a large pot. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, top with the roasted sweet potatoes, remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.

The roasted sweet potatoes add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast to the spicy, cheesy chili mac, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture while it’s cooking.

Chili Mac Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

Comfort food gets a crunchy upgrade with this Chili Mac Casserole, a hearty dish that combines the best of both worlds for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned; drain.
2. Stir in macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
4. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over the cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy, spicy macaroni beneath, making every bite a perfect balance of textures.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture while cooking.

Chili Mac with a Twist of Pumpkin

This Chili Mac with a Twist of Pumpkin combines the heartiness of classic chili mac with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup elbow macaroni. Add 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

The pumpkin puree not only adds a unique sweetness but also thickens the chili mac to the perfect consistency, making every bite rich and satisfying.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Quick and Easy Chili Mac Skillet

This Quick and Easy Chili Mac Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the heartiness of chili with the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese—all in one pan!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in tomato sauce, kidney beans, macaroni, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

The magic of this dish lies in the melty cheese layer that blankets the spicy, saucy macaroni, creating a irresistible texture contrast.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onion in step 1.

Chili Mac with a Hint of Cinnamon

Warm up your weeknight dinner routine with this comforting Chili Mac, where a whisper of cinnamon adds a surprising depth to the classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring to combine. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt.

The hint of cinnamon in this Chili Mac creates a subtly sweet and spicy flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Conclusion

We hope this roundup of 18 Spicy Chili Mac recipes has inspired your next cozy meal! Whether you’re craving something classic or adventurous, there’s a dish here for everyone. Don’t forget to try your favorites, share your thoughts in the comments, and pin this article to your Pinterest board for easy access. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious warmth of these comforting dishes!