Ground Beef Chili Mac Soup

Ground Beef Chili Mac Soup is the ultimate comfort food fusion — part chili, part macaroni soup, and entirely delicious! It combines all the bold, spicy flavors of a classic chili with tender macaroni pasta and a rich, savory tomato broth. Every spoonful is loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melty cheese — a perfect mix of hearty and cozy that warms you from the inside out.

This recipe takes the best elements of two favorite dishes (chili and mac & cheese) and turns them into a wholesome, satisfying soup that’s perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or meal prepping for the week.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s comfort in a bowl. The combination of chili spices, pasta, and beef creates layers of flavor — spicy, smoky, and rich — while the macaroni adds a nostalgic, cozy texture.

It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with excitement, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, it’s made in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Ground Beef Chili Mac Soup is a must-try because it’s:

• Hearty and satisfying — a full meal in one bowl.
• Quick and easy — ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
• Family-friendly — kids love the cheesy pasta, adults love the spice.
• Customizable — you can make it mild or spicy, creamy or brothy.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day — delicious, filling, and utterly comforting.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
2. Add bell pepper, seasonings, and tomato paste.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans.
4. Simmer, then add macaroni and cook until tender.
5. Stir in cheese before serving for a creamy finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and develop flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Beans

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, then add the kidney beans and black beans.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Add the Macaroni

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

For a creamy, cheesy version, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.

How to Serve

Serve your Ground Beef Chili Mac Soup hot with:

• A side of cornbread, garlic toast, or crusty baguette
• A simple green salad or coleslaw for freshness
• A topping of sour cream, jalapeño slices, or green onions for extra flavor

It’s a complete, hearty meal on its own!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to avoid excess grease.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to soften as the soup sits.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
• Make it spicier with more cayenne or diced green chilies.
• Add corn or zucchini for extra texture and sweetness.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Chili Mac Soup – Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream for a silky, indulgent version.
2. Turkey Chili Mac Soup – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
3. Vegetarian Chili Mac – Omit beef and add more beans, corn, and diced zucchini.
4. Tex-Mex Style – Add a packet of taco seasoning and top with avocado and tortilla strips.
5. Cheesy Overload – Add shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra cheesiness.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze before adding the macaroni, as pasta tends to get mushy after thawing. The chili base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed, then add freshly cooked macaroni before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta like rotini, shells, or ditalini works well.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onion first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, then stir in cooked pasta and cheese before serving.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: Can I use canned chili beans instead of plain beans?
Yes, that’s a great shortcut! It will make the soup even more flavorful.

Q5: Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free macaroni and check that your broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Chili Mac Soup is a cozy, satisfying, one-pot wonder that combines everything you love about chili and macaroni in one delicious bowl. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough for company. Whether you make it cheesy, spicy, or veggie-packed, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite that you’ll cook again and again.