There are about a million or so variations on this recipe and you can pretty much customize it the way you want to, but my approach is the non-bean/cheesy variety: ground beef, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, spices…and creamed corn.
There it is, my chili mac secret is out. It’s all about the creamed corn.
What is Creamed Corn, Anyway?
Creamed corn is basically a mixture of cooked corn kernels and a puree of even more corn kernels, making it a little soupy, a little sweet and a whole lot of delicious, and it’s what sets this easy chili mac recipe apart.
Side Note: I was describing this elegant meal to a friend and he said, “so it’s basically Hamburger Helper, right?”
Well, um, yes. Without all the chemical additives.
I am pretty sure he meant that as a compliment…because who doesn’t love a little Hamburger Helper every once in a while?
Ingredients For Chili Mac
Here’s all you need to make this kid-friendly scrumptiousness!
- Elbow macaroni
- Ground beef
- Sweet onion
- Creamed corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
I’m guessing you have a lot of this on hand already…except maybe for the creamed corn. And it’s so worth a trip to the store to get some.
Here’s How To Make Chili Mac!
- Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook beef in a large skillet over medium high heat until brown. Scoop out the beef and set aside.
- Cook onion in same pan for about 5 minutes. Return beef to pan and stir in everything except the macaroni and cheese. Stir until heated through.
- Add macaroni and cheese and stir until cheese is melted.
- Dig in!
More Tips For Making Chili Mac!
You can find this dreamy ingredient in the canned vegetable aisle of your supermarket…right next to the regular canned corn.
Yep! Or ground pork, or ground chicken.
It can! When you are ready to serve it up, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until it is the temperature you like it.
And there you have it. Creamed corn. TRUST ME.
Chili Mac
Prep Time: 10 minutes- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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Pin RecipeDescription
This easy recipe for chili mac is a mixture of pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, cheese and a secret ingredient that folks will never guess!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 peeled and diced sweet onion
- 1 17 ounce can creamed corn
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 8 ounce cans tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook beef in a large skillet over medium high heat until brown. Scoop out the beef and set aside.
- Cook onion in same pan for about 5 minutes. Return beef to pan and stir in everything except the macaroni and cheese. Stir until heated through.
- Add macaroni and cheese and stir until cheese is melted.
- Dig in!
Notes
Need to add something to your kitchen equipment to make this recipe? Below are some of the items we used in the Framed Cooks kitchen to help cook this up. These are affiliate links to things we use and love, which helps to pay for all that bacon I keep buying (without any extra cost to you)! Thanks for using them to keep our kitchen cooking…xoxo!
OTHER CHILI RECIPES WE LOVE!
 This easy recipe for Cincinnati chili involves spaghetti, tons of cheese and some of the best chili in the world. And if you want, onions and beans! |
 This flavorful easy no bean chili recipe is a snap to whip up, and cooks up all in one pot for super easy clean-up! |
 This recipe for cornmeal beer chili adds some delicious texture and extra flavor to this classic favorite! |
Love your column! I was wondering if I don’t have a sweet onion may I substitute for a different onion?
Daniele! Thank you so much for your sweet words. And yes, you can swap in either a white onion or even a couple of shallots…hope you love this as much as we do!
Funny thing.. my husband said,”ya know? I would like chili Mac”… I knew the perfect recipe ! Oh my gosh Kate… who knew! Creamed corn! Such a yummy addition.. next time I might add 2 cans! A definite hit and easy peasy!even though no peas😉
★★★★★
It was meant to be! And you can 100% add peas. :) :) xoxo