There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pot meal that hits all the right notes of flavor and texture. This Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe combines hearty chili spices with creamy macaroni and loads of melted sharp cheddar, making it an absolute weeknight winner.

The dish shows one layer of cooked pasta mixed with a thick sauce that looks orange and brown, with some browned bits visible throughout. The pasta is covered with a melted yellow-orange cheese that looks stretchy and bubbly in places. Small bits of browned meat or similar ingredient are mixed in with the pasta and cheese. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top as a garnish. The food is served in a white bowl, and a silver spoon rests on the edge, partly under the pasta. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 with Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I make it when I want something filling but fuss-free — it’s all done in one pot! Trust me, the layers of spices combined with melty cheddar just make it irresistible.

Simple One-Pot Prep: Fewer dishes and less stress means you get dinner on the table faster.
Flavorful Spice Blend: The combo of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of mesquite smoke makes this dish uniquely smoky and delicious.
Creamy & Cheesy Comfort: Cream cheese and sharp cheddar melt together for that rich, luscious finish everyone loves.
Customizable & Flexible: Add more heat, swap veggies, or throw in your favorite beans — it works with whatever you have on hand.

The image shows a close-up of a cheesy pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of elbow macaroni mixed with browned ground meat and small bits of tomato sauce, a middle layer of melted golden-yellow cheese that is stringy and covers the pasta well, and a top layer sprinkled with bright green chopped parsley for freshness. The textures are rich and moist, with the cheese blending smoothly into the pasta. A silver spoon is scooping out some of the cheesy pasta from the bottom right of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances hearty protein, bold spices, and creamy cheese perfectly. Each ingredient has a purpose — from the smoky paprika to the tender elbow macaroni soaking up all the chili goodness. When shopping, pick a good-quality sharp cheddar and fresh garlic for the best depth of flavor.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole yellow onion with dry skin, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, one whole red bell pepper with smooth bright skin, four whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, small white ceramic bowls each containing chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, ground mustard, and black pepper, a large white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant crushed tomatoes, another bowl with bright fire roasted diced tomatoes, a bowl of glossy kidney beans rinsed and drained, a small bowl holding golden brown sugar crystals, a bowl with a dark amber liquid representing mesquite liquid smoke, a bowl of light golden chicken broth, dry elbow macaroni pasta in a neat pile with curved tubular shapes, a small white plate with a block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white bowl overflowing with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese in bright orange-yellow, and a few sprigs of fresh vibrant green parsley placed artfully for garnish, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, 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: For sautéing, adds a subtle fruity note and helps soften the onions.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that gives the chili its meaty richness.
Red bell pepper (optional): Adds a bit of fresh sweetness and color — I love tossing it in for texture.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic punch.
Chili powder: The core seasoning that brings classic chili flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds smokiness without adding heat — a game-changer in chili!
Ground cumin: Earthy warmth that rounds out the spice mix nicely.
Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
Dried oregano & ground mustard: Subtle herbal and tangy notes to deepen the profile.
Crushed tomatoes & fire roasted diced tomatoes: Combine for a saucy texture and smoky flavor.
Kidney beans: Adds heartiness and fiber, mild with a creamy bite.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Mesquite liquid smoke (optional): Boosts smoky aroma – a little goes a long way!
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Simmering liquid that cooks the pasta while adding flavor.
Uncooked elbow macaroni: The comfort food base – it absorbs that rich chili sauce beautifully.
Cream cheese (cubed, very soft): Melts into creamy pockets of goodness.
Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded): Divided between stirring in and topping the bake for max cheesiness.
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds freshness and color on top.

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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

I love mixing things up with this Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe depending on pantry finds or mood. Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, add extra veggies, or kick up the heat with cayenne or hot sauce in the final seasoning—there’s room to make it truly yours.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and extra beans. I’ve done this often when I wanted a lighter meal, and it’s just as hearty.
Spicier Kick: Adding a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper or stirring in some chipotle in adobo amps up the smoky heat beautifully.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or a blend with mozzarella for a different melty texture and flavor profile.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in corn or zucchini during summer months for a fresh twist.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven. Toss in diced onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until it softens and starts to turn translucent. Don’t rush this part — building flavor here makes a big difference. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon while browning it evenly. Once it’s mostly cooked, stir in chopped red bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper. Sauté for about 1 minute until the spices get fragrant — this wakes up all those flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Pour in the Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

Add the crushed tomatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes (juice included), drained kidney beans, brown sugar, and mesquite liquid smoke (if you’re using it). Give everything a good stir, then add the chicken broth. Cover your pot and bring it all to a gentle simmer. This slow simmer lets flavors meld and preps the liquid for cooking pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and keep simmering, stirring often, until the pasta reaches al dente. This part requires tasting your pasta regularly to avoid overcooking—perfect pasta texture is key for this dish.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner. Stir in the soft cubed cream cheese until it melts completely, adding rich creaminess. Then sprinkle in 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar, adding a handful at a time and stirring until melted and smooth. Give it a taste, then adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of hot sauce or cayenne if you want more kick.

Step 5: Bake for Bubbling Cheese Finish

Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top of the chili mac. Pop the whole pot or transfer to a baking dish (if your pot isn’t oven-safe) into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Top with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately. This quick bake gives the cheese a beautiful golden melt that just pulls everything together.

Top Tip

From experience, the biggest key to this Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe turning out perfect is watching your pasta closely. Overcooked pasta makes the dish mushy, so keep stirring and tasting during the last few minutes. It’s saved me from disappointment more than once!

Gentle Simmer: Keep the heat medium-low when cooking pasta so it absorbs flavor without sticking or scorching.
Stir Often: Those frequent stirs prevent any stubborn bits from burning on the bottom.
Cheese in Stages: Adding cheese in two steps keeps it perfectly melted and gooey without clumping.
Season After Cheese: Always taste and season once cheese is incorporated — it softens saltiness and balances the flavors.

How to Serve Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is fresh parsley — it adds a touch of color and a mild herbaceous note that brightens up the rich, cheesy dish. Sometimes I also sprinkle chopped green onions or even a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and a little tang.

Side Dishes

I love serving this Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette also complements the meal perfectly—great for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when hosting, I’ve spooned the chili mac into mini cast iron skillets or even hollowed-out bell peppers for individual servings. It makes the dish feel extra special and visually inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation. Just know the pasta will absorb more sauce overnight, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili mac few times with success. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly good, though the cheese can separate a bit, so stirring well during reheating helps bring it back.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness. Stir often until warmed through and creamy again. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just replace the ground beef with a mix of hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also use plant-based ground 'meats' for a similar texture.

What’s the best type of cheddar to use?

A sharp cheddar works best for this recipe because it melts beautifully and adds a nice tangy flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheddar if possible—freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and prevents clumping.

Can I use a skillet instead of a Dutch oven?

Yes, if your skillet is large and oven-safe, it can work well! Just make sure it has a lid for simmering the pasta, and if baking the cheese topping, it should be able to go under the oven's broiler safely.

How do I avoid the pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom?

Stir frequently while simmering the macaroni, keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, and add enough broth so the pasta can cook evenly. Using a heavy-bottomed pot also helps distribute heat more evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac Skillet with Cheddar Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s so straightforward yet unbelievably satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, cheesy, and full of flavor, but it’s also special enough to share with friends when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!