Want a fun, tasty meal for summer? Try this Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s warm, cheesy, and has a little spice.
You only need one big pot to cook it. It’s great for family dinners, cookouts, or busy days. Everyone will ask for seconds.
This Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is full of flavor. It mixes chili meat and creamy cheese. It’s ready fast and makes a lot.
It’s a perfect meal when you want something filling but easy to make.
When I First Tried This Recipe
I first made this Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe at a family BBQ. Everyone loved it, even the picky eaters. Now I make it every summer.

Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Colander (to drain pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley (for topping)
How to Make It
- Heat oil in a big pot
- Add beef and cook until brown
- Add onions and garlic
- Cook until soft
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Stir everything together
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth
- Add the macaroni
- Bring it to a boil
- Turn down the heat and cover
- Cook for 12 minutes
- Stir sometimes so it doesn’t stick
- When pasta is soft, turn off heat
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream
- Stir until the cheese melts
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve
Easy Tips
- Use turkey instead of beef to make it lighter
- Add hot peppers if you like spice
- Add corn for a little sweetness
- Don’t cook the pasta too long
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving
What Goes Well with Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn with a little char tastes great with the chili flavor
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cool, fresh salad helps balance the warm and cheesy dish
Garlic Bread
Crispy bread is perfect to scoop up every last bite
Conclusion
This Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is great for summer dinners. It’s creamy, spicy, and easy to make.
Add some fresh sides and enjoy with family and friends.
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Summer Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cheese grater
- Colander (to drain pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley for topping
Instructions
- Heat oil in a big pot
- Add beef and cook until brown
- Add onions and garlic
- Cook until soft
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Stir everything together
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth
- Add the macaroni
- Bring it to a boil
- Turn down the heat and cover
- Cook for 12 minutes
- Stir sometimes so it doesn’t stick
- When pasta is soft, turn off heat
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream
- Stir until the cheese melts
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve
Notes
- Use turkey instead of beef to make it lighter
- Add hot peppers if you like spice
- Add corn for a little sweetness
- Don’t cook the pasta too long
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving
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