EASY CHILI MAC AND CHEESE

A one pot, hearty family meal

Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner but short on time? This one pot chili mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate weeknight savior. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional homemade chili with the creamy, comforting goodness of classic macaroni and cheese. By using Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes, you get perfectly seasoned, vine-ripened tomatoes blended with chili peppers, onion, and garlic—eliminating the need to measure out endless spices. It is a quick, hearty, one-pan meal that the entire family will love!

Product Image of our 14.5 oz Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomato Can.

Made with Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes

Blended with spices that make it the perfect addition to any chili recipe. Save time in the kitchen while making the whole family happy by adding these flavor-added diced tomatoes to your other recipes!

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Recipe Image of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Recipe Image of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

EASY CHILI MAC AND CHEESE

A one pot, hearty family meal

Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner but short on time? This one pot chili mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate weeknight savior. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional homemade chili with the creamy, comforting goodness of classic macaroni and cheese. By using Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes, you get perfectly seasoned, vine-ripened tomatoes blended with chili peppers, onion, and garlic—eliminating the need to measure out endless spices. It is a quick, hearty, one-pan meal that the entire family will love!

Made with Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes

Blended with spices that make it the perfect addition to any chili recipe. Save time in the kitchen while making the whole family happy by adding these flavor-added diced tomatoes to your other recipes!

Product Image of our 14.5 oz Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomato Can.
STORE LOCATOR
BUY NOW

EASY CHILI MAC AND CHEESE

A one pot, hearty family meal

Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner but short on time? This one pot chili mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate weeknight savior. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional homemade chili with the creamy, comforting goodness of classic macaroni and cheese. By using Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes, you get perfectly seasoned, vine-ripened tomatoes blended with chili peppers, onion, and garlic—eliminating the need to measure out endless spices. It is a quick, hearty, one-pan meal that the entire family will love!

Recipe Image of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Product Image of our 14.5 oz Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomato Can.

Made with Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes

Blended with spices that make it the perfect addition to any chili recipe. Save time in the kitchen while making the whole family happy by adding these flavor-added diced tomatoes to your other recipes!

STORE LOCATOR
BUY NOW
Total Time to Make Recipe25 minutes
Preparation Time for the Recipe5 minutes
Cook Time for the Recipe20 minutes
TYPE OF DISH: 5 Ingredients or Less, Main Course, Pasta
COOKING METHOD: Oven, Stove Top
SERVINGS: 4 servings
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Ingredients:

  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can Dei Fratelli Chili-Ready Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Macaroni Pasta
  • 2 Tbsp. Flour
  • 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1.5 lbs. Ground Beef
  • Sour Cream, for garnish
  • Green Onion, minced, for garnish
  • Breadcrumbs, optional if baking, as needed
  • Olive Oil, optional if baking, as needed

Instructions:

  • In a medium pot, begin boiling water and cook your macaroni pasta according to your package's directions.
  • Once cooked, drain your pasta and set aside to cool.
  • Cook ground beef in the same pot on your stove over medium heat.
  • Once the ground beef is completely cooked, add 2 Tbsp. of flour and mix well.
    • The flour absorbs the extra fat from the beef and creates a quick roux that makes your cheese sauce thick and creamy.
  • Add Dei Fratelli Chili-Ready Diced Tomatoes and simmer in the pot with the ground beef for 2 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar cheese and combine well.
  • Once your meat and cheese sauce is fully combined and melted, add in your drained macaroni pasta and stir well, making sure all the noodles are well coated.
  • Serve in a bowl with sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onion garnish.
    • You can also transfer your Chili Mac and Cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs and a drizzle of oil and broil in your oven for 5 minutes to create a crispy, baked mac and cheese.

Chef's Tip:

Do you have to drain the grease when making chili mac? 
In this recipe, you do not need to drain the grease. Adding 2 tablespoons of flour directly to the cooked ground beef absorbs the extra fat. This creates an instant roux right in the pan, which helps naturally thicken your meat and cheese sauce.
What are the best tomatoes to use for chili macaroni? 
For the best flavor and quickest prep time, use Dei Fratelli Chili Ready Diced Tomatoes. Because they are already canned with a premium blend of chili peppers, onion, and garlic, they provide a robust, scratch-made flavor without requiring extra chili seasoning packets.
Can I turn this into a baked chili mac and cheese? 
Yes! To make baked chili mac, follow the one-pot instructions until the noodles and sauce are fully combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
What can I serve with chili mac and cheese? 
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad, steamed green vegetables, or a slice of warm cornbread. For toppings, try garnishing your bowl with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese.

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