🍲 No-Box Hamburger Helper: Chili Mac (Easy Fall Skillet Recipe)
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty skillet of chili mac. This dish combines two of the ultimate comfort foods—chili and macaroni and cheese—into one easy, family-friendly dinner.
Our No Box Hamburger Helper: Chili Mac is a homemade version of the childhood favorite, but with real ingredients, farm-raised ground beef, and that cozy flavor everyone craves in the fall. It’s quick, it’s filling, and it’s the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel special.
Why Chili Mac is the Perfect Fall Recipe
✔️ One-pan dinner – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy the season.
✔️ Comfort food classic – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
✔️ Perfect for leftovers – If you’re lucky enough to have any.
✔️ Kid-approved – Familiar flavors the whole family will love.
Whether you’re heading to football practice, coming in from the pumpkin patch, or just want a cozy dinner after a long day, this skillet meal checks all the boxes.
No Box Chili Mac Recipe
Click here for a printable copy
Ingredients
- 1 lb Luebbering Shorthorn ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain if needed.
- Stir in pasta, broth, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. Cover and simmer 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until creamy and melty.
- Serve hot with green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese on top.
Tips for Making the Best Chili Mac
- Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it heartier by adding bell peppers or corn.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy fall meal later.
Stock Your Freezer for Cozy Fall Meals
The secret to effortless weeknight dinners is having the right ingredients on hand. Our 25 lb Ground Beef Bundle makes it easy to whip up fall favorites like chili, soups, and skillet meals without a last-minute grocery trip.
➡️ Shop the 25 lb Ground Beef Bundle Here
With farm-raised Shorthorn beef in your freezer, you’ll always be ready for hearty meals that bring comfort to the table.
🍂 Looking for more fall recipe inspiration? Check out our No Box Hamburger Helper Series for more quick, cozy dinners your whole family will love.