You guys! I’m back at it with another old-fashioned one-pot meal today. Homemade chili mac. Each spoonful of this nostalgic meal is a delicious blend of savory beef, bold spices, and gooey cheese.

Paired with garlic bread or cornbread, it’s a meal full of comfort and cheesy indulgence that you’ll want to make over-and-over, all winter long.

Dutch Oven Magic

First things first, let’s talk about the Dutch oven. It’s really the unsung hero of this recipe, providing even heat distribution and allowing flavors to blend together beautifully. If you don’t own one, consider it a worthy investment. The Dutch oven is a game-changer in the kitchen, and you’ll find yourself using it for a variety of dishes well beyond this chili mac – I know I sure do.

Want to make this in the Instant Pot instead? Try this Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper, it’s delicious!

The Ingredients

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the ingredients. You’ll want to grab a pound of lean ground beef, a yellow onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, sea salt, pepper, beef broth, elbow macaroni, fresh cheddar cheese, and some Italian parsley for that finishing touch.

How to Make Chili Mac

1. Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, throw in the ground beef and onions. Cook them up, breaking the meat apart as you go. I find there’s just something therapeutic about the sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen as the meat and onion cook. Mmm!

1. When your beef and onions are the perfect golden brown color, add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for a minute or two until it becomes fragrant.

1. Then, it’s time to add the tomato paste, chili powder, sea salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, and watch the colors and aromas intensify.

1. Slowly pour in the beef broth and crank up the heat. Once it starts to bubble, toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it simmer away for about 15 minutes, until the macaroni reaches that perfect al dente texture.

1. The grand finale involves the cheese OF COURSE – the gooey, melty glue that holds everything together. Once the macaroni is tender, remove the pot from the heat and fold in the freshly grated cheddar. Stir until every noodle is coated in that luscious orange goodness.

1. Then, spoon the chili mac into bowls, and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. It’s like the finishing touch on a masterpiece. 🤌🏻

Why This Chili Mac Is so Good

Now, let’s talk about why this homemade chili mac is so darn good. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cheesy experience. The beef is savory, the spices are bold but not overpowering, and the cheese – oh, the cheese – the gooeyness takes it to a whole new level. It’s like a grown up version macaroni and cheese (but kids love it too!).

If you need an idea for the leftover elbow pasta, try this Bacon Mac and Cheese – it’s to-die-for!

What Goes Well With Homemade Chili Mac?

Now that your homemade chili mac is ready, what do you pair it with? Personally, I love serving it with a side of warm garlic bread or fluffy cornbread. The buttery, garlicky notes complement the richness of the chili mac, creating a match that’s hard to resist.

For a lighter option, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad provides a crunchy contrast to the heartiness of the chili mac, making it a perfectly well-rounded meal.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to put your spin on this homemade chili mac. Consider adding a can of black beans for extra protein and a touch of earthiness. Want some heat? Throw in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun with it.

Homemade chili mac is an old-fashioned one-pot wonder that combines simplicity with cheesy indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that’s filled with nostalgia and tends to bring people together. So, grab your Dutch oven, gather the ingredients, and let’s get cookin’ my friends.