Creamy Cheesy Chili Mac

September 21, 2026
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There are certain meals that just feel like home, and Creamy Cheesy Chili Mac is definitely one of those meals for me!

Creamy Chili Mac Recipe made in one-pot, one-skillet, with cream and cheese. It's budget-friendly, cheap, and healthy

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Growing up, my mom would make chili mac for dinner, and I always looked forward to it! There was just something about that combination of tender macaroni noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese that was so comforting. It was simple, hearty, and always so good!

Looking back, I also appreciate how budget-friendly meals like chili mac were. You could take a few basic pantry and refrigerator staples and turn them into a filling dinner that could feed the whole family without spending a lot of money.

My version is a little creamier and cheesier than the one I remember from childhood, but it still gives me that same cozy feeling! It’s the kind of easy dinner that works for busy weeknights, game days, or any night when you want something warm, cheesy and satisfying!

What Is Chili Mac?

Chili mac is a classic American comfort-food dish that combines elements of chili with macaroni. Some versions are more tomato-based and resemble traditional chili with pasta added, while others are closer to a cheesy ground beef casserole. This version falls somewhere in the middle!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elbow macaroni
Ground beef
Onion and garlic
Diced tomatoes and green chiles
Heavy cream
Sour cream
Chili seasoning
Sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chili Mac

1. Cook the macaroni.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the onion and garlic.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Brown the ground beef.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, carefully drain the excess grease.

4. Make the creamy chili sauce.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the RO-TEL, heavy cream, sour cream, chili seasoning, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the mixture gently simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Add the macaroni.

Stir in the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture until evenly coated.

6. Add the remaining cheese.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar over the top.

7. Bake.

Bake uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Ways to Make It a More Balanced Meal

I like thinking about meals in terms of what you can add rather than what you need to take away. This chili mac already provides protein, carbohydrates, and fat, so pairing it with a vegetable or fruit can round things out nicely.

Try serving it with:

Roasted broccoli
Green beans
A simple side salad
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Corn
Sautéed zucchini
Fresh fruit

Tips for the Best Chili Mac

Don’t overcook the pasta.

Cook the noodles just until al dente because they will continue to soften slightly in the oven.

Drain the ground beef.

This keeps the finished dish from becoming overly greasy.

Taste before adding extra salt.

Chili seasoning, cheese, and canned tomatoes can all contribute sodium.

Shred your own cheese if you have time.

Freshly shredded cheddar tends to melt more smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese works perfectly well for a quick weeknight dinner.

Adjust the spice level.

Use mild RO-TEL and mild chili seasoning for a family-friendly version. For more heat, add jalapeños, cayenne, hot sauce or pepper Jack cheese.

Easy Chili Mac Variations

Add beans

Stir in drained black beans or kidney beans for additional fiber and plant-based protein.

Add vegetables

Bell peppers, spinach, zucchini or corn can easily be added to the beef mixture.

Use a different protein

Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.

Try another cheese

Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or pepper Jack can be used alongside the cheddar.

Make it extra spicy

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.

How to Store Chili Mac

Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm a larger portion in the oven.

Because pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating can help restore some of the creamy texture.

Can You Freeze Chili Mac?

Yes.

Allow the chili mac to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, so for the best texture I prefer enjoying this one fresh or refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chili mac without baking it?

Yes. Once the pasta has been stirred into the beef mixture and the cheese has melted, you can serve it directly from the skillet. Baking simply gives you that extra layer of melted cheese on top.

What cheese is best for chili mac?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite because it gives the dish plenty of cheesy flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack would also work.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Small shells, rotini, penne, or cavatappi are all good options!

How do you keep chili mac from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the pasta and don’t bake the finished dish longer than necessary. The heavy cream, sour cream, and tomatoes provide plenty of moisture.

Is chili mac spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on the RO-TEL and chili seasoning you use. For a mild version, use mild tomatoes and green chiles and a mild chili seasoning.

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