There’s something so comforting about a one-pot meal that combines pasta, chili, and melty cheese all in one skillet. This Chili Mac Skillet Recipe brings cozy vibes and hearty satisfaction to any dinner table, making it a go-to when you want warm, easy, and delicious all at once.

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl showing one main layer of macaroni pasta mixed with a rich, golden-brown melted cheese sauce and small pieces of browned meat scattered throughout. The cheese has a smooth, slightly shiny texture with browned spots indicating it was baked or broiled. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled over the top, adding bright green color and freshness. A silver spoon with an ornate handle rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Mac Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chili Mac Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly love this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe because it feels like a hug in a bowl — it’s rich, saucy, and cheesy but also packed with protein and fiber. It's the kind of meal I keep coming back to when I want something satisfying that doesn’t keep me glued to the stove for hours.

All-in-One Pot: You cook everything right in one Dutch oven, which means less cleanup and less fuss in the kitchen.
Flavor Packed: With chili powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of liquid smoke, it’s bold but balanced — comforting without being overwhelmed by spice.
Perfectly Cheesy: Cream cheese and sharp cheddar create a smooth, creamy sauce that melts between each noodle.
Super Customizable: You can easily swap ground beef for turkey, add veggies, or turn up the heat however you like.

This image shows a close-up of a cheesy baked pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has one main layer of curly pasta coated in a rich, melted orange-yellow cheese sauce. Mixed in are small pieces of browned ground meat and bits of red tomato, giving the dish a mix of orange, reddish, and brown colors. Green parsley is sprinkled on top as a fresh garnish. A silver spoon is partly inside the bowl, scooping some pasta, showing the creamy and slightly oily texture of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chili Mac Skillet Recipe relies on ingredients that marry together beautifully — the acidity of the tomatoes, the spice of the chili powder, and the creaminess of the cheeses all complement each other while the kidney beans add some hearty texture and fiber. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a whole yellow onion with smooth pale yellow skin, a mound of raw lean ground beef with rich red color and marbling, one vibrant red bell pepper with a glossy surface, several peeled garlic cloves with a creamy white color, small white bowls each containing chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, ground mustard, and black pepper powders, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, another bowl with chunky fire roasted diced tomatoes, a white bowl holding shiny dark red kidney beans, a small white bowl with brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of chicken broth with a light golden hue, a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta with smooth, curved tube shapes, a small block of cream cheese with a soft, creamy white texture, a loose pile of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese in vibrant orange, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A light oil to sauté onions and brown the meat without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a foundational savory aroma.
Lean ground beef: The main protein, it browns nicely and absorbs the spices well.
Red bell pepper: Optional, but it adds a touch of freshness and crunch.
Garlic cloves: A must for depth and that warm garlic punch we all love.
Chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin: The spice trio that defines the chili flavor — smoky, earthy, and a little sweet.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning.
Dried oregano and ground mustard: Little notes that round out the chili spices.
Crushed tomatoes & fire roasted diced tomatoes: A combination that adds body and a smoky tang.
Kidney beans: Adds substance and a creamy bite without needing extra meat.
Brown sugar: A subtle sweetness to balance acidity from tomatoes.
Mesquite liquid smoke (optional): Elevates smoky flavor — I use it sparingly but it really enhances depth.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps it flavorful without making it too salty or heavy.
Uncooked elbow macaroni: The classic pasta that holds sauce well and softens to a perfect texture.
Cream cheese: Adds that silky creaminess that makes the sauce so indulgent.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded gives the best melt and sharp tang.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end — don’t skip it if you want that little bright finish!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your mood. I like to throw in extra vegetables for more crunch, or swap beef for ground turkey to lighten it up a bit. Play with the spice level too — I’m all for a dash of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to wake it up.

Variation: Try adding corn or black beans for more color and texture — one time, I even stirred in some chopped spinach at the end for extra greens. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without losing that cozy chili mac vibe!
Dietary swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a leaner option.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans, maybe some sautéed mushrooms, to keep it hearty and meaty in texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the beef

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and smell sweet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and cook until it’s browned all over — no pink bits left. If you’re adding chopped red bell pepper, throw it in now along with minced garlic, then sauté everything together for about a minute so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrance.

Step 2: Spice it up and add the tomatoes

Now sprinkle on all those wonderful spices — chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, and mustard powder. Stir everything well so the meat is evenly coated with the spice blend. Pour in your crushed tomatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes (juice and all), drained kidney beans, brown sugar, and optional mesquite liquid smoke. Pour the chicken broth over everything. Give it a good stir and cover the pot.

Step 3: Add the pasta and simmer carefully

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often and making sure to replace the lid each time — this prevents the pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom.

After 5 minutes, take the lid off and continue simmering for a few more minutes, stirring frequently and checking the pasta often so it reaches a perfect al dente texture — you don’t want mushy noodles here, trust me!

Step 4: Stir in cheeses off the heat

Once the pasta is just right, turn off the heat but keep the pot on the burner. Stir in cubes of cream cheese, mixing gently until it melts into a silky sauce. Then add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar in handfuls, stirring as you go until melted and smooth. Taste now and adjust salt, pepper, or even add some cayenne or hot sauce if you want a punch.

Step 5: Bake for that melty cheese finish

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer your Dutch oven (or if your pot isn’t oven-safe, switch to a baking dish) to a preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and melts into golden, gooey goodness. A quick flash under the broiler also works — just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. The combination of textures — cheesy crust, saucy pasta, tender meat, and beans — makes every bite a winner.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe, timing and stirring are key! Make sure you don’t skip those frequent stirs while the pasta cooks — it keeps the noodles from sticking and makes for an even, creamy sauce.

Watch the pasta: I always taste pasta at the 8-minute mark to catch it right at al dente since leftover cooking happens off heat.
Use cream cheese soft and cubed: It melts faster and blends smoothly — I learned the hard way when cold cream cheese chunks made lumps.
Don’t skip the cheese topping: Baking it briefly creates a luscious golden crust that takes this dish from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Adjust seasoning last: Adding salt and pepper after cheeses melt helps balance out flavors perfectly every time.

How to Serve Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping my Chili Mac with fresh parsley because it brightens up the heavy, cheesy richness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of jalapeño for a cooling contrast and some heat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add an unexpected zesty twist if you're feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is pretty hearty on its own, I usually keep sides simple—maybe a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies. Cornbread or garlic bread also work beautifully if you want to soak up every last bit of that cheesy chili sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served Chili Mac in individual ramekins with the cheese melted under the broiler for a bubbling, bubbly top. It feels festive and helps portion control for a crowd. Another fun idea is to serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers — it adds color, extra flavor, and doubles as an edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight! Just give it a good stir before reheating since the sauce might thicken as it chills.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Chili Mac before with decent results. It’s best to freeze it without the baked cheese topping to maintain texture after thawing. Defrost overnight in the fridge then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to creamy life.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it up on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it looks thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works fine too, but heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the ground beef and add extra beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to keep the dish hearty.

What if I don’t have fresh sharp cheddar cheese?

Pre-shredded cheddar works in a pinch, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture. If you must, grate a block of cheese yourself for better results than bagged shredded.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chili portion a day ahead without the pasta to keep it fresh. Add pasta and cheese the day of serving and proceed with cooking as directed for best texture.

How spicy is this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe?

It’s moderately spicy thanks to chili powder and paprika, but not overpowering. You can always adjust heat with more cayenne or hot sauce as you like during the seasoning step after cheese melts.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this Chili Mac Skillet Recipe, it reminds me why simple, hearty meals will always be some of the best. It’s forgiving, easy to pull together, and feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort. Give it a go—you’ll have a new weeknight favorite that feels like a warm hug after a long day.