Cheesy Mac Chili
A hearty, cheesy chili with ground beef, beans, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and a creamy cheese topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, chopped celery, uncooked elbow macaroni, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until celery and macaroni are tender.
- Stir in kidney beans and simmer until thoroughly heated.
- Spoon chili into serving bowls and cut American cheese slices into 4 pieces to place on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you want to switch up the cheese, cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice kick. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef to lighten the dish. For an extra veggie boost, throw in some bell peppers or corn, similar to what's found in Stuffed Green Peppers For Microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Mac Chili with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Top with additional cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for scooping. For a fun variation, serve alongside Sue'S Sloppy Joes for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Mac Chili contains roughly 529 calories, with 33g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2643mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or penne. Just ensure that the cooking time is similar so everything cooks evenly. If using a larger pasta, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply increase the amount of beans and vegetables. Lentils or chickpeas would also work well, making the dish hearty while keeping it meat-free.
How spicy is this Cheesy Mac Chili?
The spice level is moderate due to the chili powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether, making it suitable for all taste preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).