When dinner needs to happen fast and everyone is hungry, Velveeta Chili Mac and Cheese comes to the rescue. This easy one-pot meal combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, tomatoes, and plenty of creamy cheese for a comforting dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes.
It's the kind of family favorite that fills bowls, satisfies big appetites, and leaves very few leftovers behind. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this cheesy chili mac is a recipe you'll turn to again and again.
Why this chili mac disappears fast
This is the kind of dinner that saves busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick and easy. It's ready in about 30 minutes, uses budget-friendly pantry staples, and makes a generous batch that's great for leftovers.
The creamy, cheesy sauce wraps around every bite of pasta, while the hearty chili flavors make it satisfying enough to keep everyone full. Whether you're feeding hungry kids, hungry adults, or both, this is one of those dependable recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.
Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ onion diced
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 14.5 ounce fire roasted tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni dried
- 1 cup velveeta cheese cubed
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat begin by heating the olive oil. When it is hot, add the chopped red onion & bell pepper. Saute for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Next add the ground beef, breaking it up, stir until browned. Drain the fat.
- Drain the kidney beans add them to the stock pot along with the can of fire roasted tomatoes.
- Season by adding all of the spices salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder and cumin. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to high. Bring the ground meat mixture to a boil then add the pasta and velveeta cheese.
- Return to a boil over medium high heat and set the timer for 7 minutes. Stir constantly during the entire 7 minutes.
- Once it gets a good boil going, reduce the heat to medium. It will thicken and become creamy and cheesy.
- If the pasta isn't cooked after seven minutes, just continue to stir and cook until it is done.
Notes
Storage
Allow to cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container. Leftovers freeze well! Again store in an airtight container and free up to three months.Nutrition
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🗒️ Ingredients
For the exact measurements for the Velveeta Shells and Cheese with Ground Beef, please refer to the recipe card.
- onion and red bell peppers - the onion and pepper start caramelizing and building the flavors for this meal.
- garlic powder or one clove fresh minced garlic.
- lean ground beef - you can substitute with ground chicken or ground turkey.
- red kidney beans, black beans, pinto or cannelloni beans
- fire roasted diced tomatoes - canned tomatoes work great here! Rotel would also be delicious with the added spices!
- beef broth or chicken broth - low sodium is preferred.
- elbow macaroni - really you use any type of small uncooked pasta.
- velveeta cheese - no velveeta? Use leftover queso, you can also make your own homemade cheddar cheese sauce with shredded cheese and cream cheese.
- here are the spices for the chili seasoning - salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, chili powder, cumin. If you prefer more heat, spice it up with a good pinch of cayenne pepper!
Variations
Stir in a cup of frozen corn along with the cheese for a pop of sweetness and extra texture.
For a little heat, add a can of diced green chiles, use Rotel instead of the fire-roasted tomatoes, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Got leftover chili? Use it in place of the beans and tomatoes for an easy shortcut that adds even more flavor.
⏲️ Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions for the Chili Mac Velveeta check this recipe card.
🙋♀️ FAQ's
Velveeta is a processed cheese product known for its smooth, creamy texture. Unlike many shredded cheeses, it melts evenly without becoming grainy or clumping, making it a great choice for creamy pasta dishes like Chili Mac and Cheese.
For extra heat, substitute Rotel for the diced tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef. Diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce are also great ways to add a little kick.
Yes! Prepare the recipe as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Deb's tips
Shred or cube the Velveeta before adding it to the pot. Smaller pieces melt much faster and more evenly into the sauce, giving you that creamy, velvety texture without having to stir forever waiting for a big block of cheese to melt.
Serving suggestions
This hearty bowl of Chili Mac and Cheese pairs well with simple sides that balance the rich, cheesy flavors. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad add freshness to the meal, while a handful of tortilla chips brings a satisfying crunch.
If you're feeding a hungry crowd, warm slices of homemade garlic bread are always a welcome addition and are great for soaking up every last bit of the cheesy sauce. Now my mouth is watering - what a great one pot meal and an easy weeknight dinner!
Related recipes
If hearty, family-friendly dinners are your thing, I've got a few more recipes you should add to your menu. Taco Spaghetti Casserole combines all the flavors of taco night with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that's always a hit at the dinner table. For another comforting pasta dinner, Cheesy Taco Casserole is loaded with tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese.
Looking for something a little different? Taco Salad Casserole delivers all the flavors of a loaded taco salad in a warm, satisfying casserole that's easy enough for busy weeknights. Any one of these recipes is guaranteed to bring comfort-food goodness to your table!
Comfort food for busy nights
When you need a hearty dinner that doesn't require a lot of fuss, this Chili Mac and Cheese delivers every time. With simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and plenty of cheesy goodness, it's the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights a little easier.
Give it a try and let me know what you think. Did you stick with the original recipe or add your own twist? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
Tracey says
Making use of what was in the pantry, I substituted a can of regular diced tomatoes, queso blanco velveeta, and rotini noodles. It was delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
That sounds fabulous Tracey - so wishing that was for dinner here tonight, great job!!
Julie says
I grew up eating the box variety but this homemade version is delicious! So easy to put together and the company devours it every time.
Ross says
The recipe calls for 1 Cup of cubed Velveeta. I wish the author would have given a weight. Easier to put some waxed paper on a kitchen scale and dole out the correct amount of the sticky product.
Bowl Me Over says
Great suggestion Ross!
swathi says
Your chili mac and cheese looks delicious, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Swathi - I always enjoy your great party and appreciate all the support you send my way!
Justine @ full belly sisters says
Super yummy comfort food, I love it!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Justine - I hope you give it a try!
Tara says
Great combo, just love this, so comforting for winter!!
Bowl Me Over says
So true, love my winter-time meals!
Katerina says
I love how you combined two very famous and beloved dishes! The result is amazing!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you, this is one of my hubby's favorite meals Katerina!
Kristen says
my kids would eat this up!
Bowl Me Over says
Kid tested, hubby approved! 😀 Thanks for stopping by Kristen!
Colleen says
This looks so luscious and wonderful! We aren't too keen on velveeta in my house though...do you think cheddar would work out ok? Or maybe a mixture of cheddar and another cheese?
Bowl Me Over says
Absolutely, I'd try cheddar and maybe Monterey Jack cheese? They melt so well together. Let me know if you give it a try, love to hear how your version comes out!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
Any recipe that is 30 minutes or less is on my must make list. Your chili mac and cheese is just what we are looking for during this chilly weather.
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome, I hope you give it a try Joanne!
Manila Spoon (Abby) says
Comfort food at its best! How can you say no to this? I certainly can't!!!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum!!! Thanks Abby!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
My kids and grandkids will go crazy for this dish as their two favorite dinners are chili and mac 'n cheese! Thank you for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
It would be a home-run Linda, the kids would love it! 😀
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser, for sure. This would be perfect on a Super Bowl buffet.
Bowl Me Over says
Dang, that's a GREAT idea KC - though this year's party will probably just be my hubby and me - oh well, more for us! 😉
Janette@CulinaryGinger says
Great comfort foods and delicious
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Janette!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
Talk about a winning combination! Putting together mac and cheese with chili - brilliant!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you! Wait until you try it Kelly it's mighty tasty!!!
Debi at Life Currents says
Your chili mac looks so good. It's one of my husband's favorites that he asks for all the time. I'd like to try your recipe soon. I like that it has some veggies in it. My recipe only has the chili (which I use a vegetarian one). thanks for the recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
I try to sneak in veggies whenever I can and this recipe needed some "healthy" in it 😀 Thanks Debi - always appreciate hearing from you!
Del's cooking twist says
The perfect comfort food for winter. Looks delish!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Del!!
Diane says
I'm pretty sure this is perfect timing to release this mega comforting chili!! On cold winter nights, cozying up to a bowl of this would make my grandkids and menfolk all kinds of happy! Lol. You ate just like we did as kids. All the family parties we kids had a card table in the kitchen. Far far away from the formal dining room where the grownups blithely ignored the hollars and shouts. When we got too loud, they shut the kitchen door!!
Bowl Me Over says
Hahaha! Isn't that funny, two peas in a pod aren't we? 😀 I hope you family enjoys this easy meal - thanks Diane for stopping by!
Platter Talk says
This recipe is clearly a trifecta. Mac n cheese with chili? Those two classics combined with a prep and make time of under 30 minutes all add up to a winner with a capital W! This is a fantastic idea and one our kids will love.
Bowl Me Over says
Absolutely, I know the kids will really enjoy it, thank you!!