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Why we love this recipe
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. It adds that special something that makes this classic cheesy macaroni supper extra delicious.
And, it’s a recipe that is all but guaranteed to please even the pickiest eater at your table, and what’s better than that? Well, that and the fact that it is ready in about 30 minutes!
What is Creamed Corn?
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 you need
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.
How to make this recipe
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities and nutritional information.
- 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!
Recipe FAQs
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.
Pop your question in the Comments section below and I will answer pronto!
And there you have it. Creamed corn. TRUST ME.
What to serve with this recipe
Even with the corn and tomatoes in this recipe I like to have another veggie or a salad on the side. And some cookies for dessert!
Other macaroni recipes we love! ❤️
We want to know what you think! 🤔
If you try this recipe, we would love to hear how it came out for you! I’d be super grateful if you could leave a star rating (you pick how many stars! 🌟 ) and your thoughts in the Comments section below the recipe.
Chili Mac
This easy recipe for chili mac is a mixture of pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, cheese and a secret ingredient that folks will never guess!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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!
Grace says
So yummy!!! I was looking for a way to use my leftover ground beef from taco night and this was perfect!
Karen Nelson says
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
Daniele Asay says
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!