Velveeta Chili Mac Recipe

This Velveeta chili mac recipe is the perfect marriage of two of the most favorite comfort foods of all time. Warm and hearty chili is melded with creamy comforting mac and cheese for the perfect flavor combination. This easy recipe is perfect for everything from a simple family meal to a potluck or tailgating party. It’s also a delicious way to use up leftover chili in a whole new family-friendly meal!

Original post: October 2017 | Updated: November 2020 and September 2024

Why This Recipe Works

Any time I have leftover chili in the fridge, I make this Velveeta chili mac and cheese. Matter of fact, since my boys have gotten bigger, I’ll even make a double batch of chili to make sure I have extra so I can make this recipe!

This Chili Mac is the ultimate two-in-one comfort food, and I cannot even explain how delicious it is. Comforting, nostalgic, and yummy, this family favorite is so simple to make with just 4 basic ingredients plus all the delicious toppings of your choice!

• Tastes like childhood! My mom always added Velveeta to her mac and cheese when I was a kid and it made it extra creamy and dreamy.
• Two classic comfort foods in one! Chili + mac and cheese = best of both worlds!
• Great, unique way to repurpose leftover chili
• Perfect solution for an quick weeknight meal OR blow the socks off your guests and serve this for any gathering.
• Great fall party food or game day dish

Ingredients for Velveeta Mac and Chili

If you don’t have leftover chili but still really want to make this easy meal, you can make up a batch of chili quickly enough while you’re prepping the rest of the very simple ingredients. 

Chili – Any type of chili works great! This World’s Best Chili Recipe is hands-down my favorite chili and never disappoints. For a super easy and quick recipe, my Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is a great option too that can be ready in about 30 minutes..

Dry elbow macaroni – Any small shaped pasta will work. I love using the large elbow macaroni for fun.

Velveeta cheese – Velveeta melts the best, but you can replace a portion of Velveeta with 

shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Butter – Salted or unsalted, but I always prefer salted.

Toppings – Sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, or corn chips. 

How to Make This Classic Chili Mac

This super easy dinner recipe is done in just 3 simple steps.

Step 1

Heat the chili on the stovetop in a large saucepan.

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions over medium-high heat until al dente. 

Step 2

Drain and add pasta back to the saucepan. Add the Velveeta and butter and stir until melted.

Step 3

Add the mac and cheese to the chili and stir. Ladle into serving bowls immediately and top with sour cream, if desired

Recipe Notes

• Stir 1/2 cup tomato sauce or a can of rotel or diced tomatoes to the chili for an extra saucy version of the recipe.
• For a boost of extra flavor, add a little bit of chili powder or hot sauce, beef broth or chicken broth, chili beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans.
• If you’re making the chili fresh, make sure you get it started before gathering any of the other ingredients.

What to Serve With Chili 

These are a few of my favorite apps and sides to go with homemade chili for complete and easy weeknight dinner.  If you want some other ideas to round out your chili meal, check this chili dinner roundup for some more great ideas 

• Traditional cornbread or Mexican cornbread
• Regular or sweet potato fries served with ranch dressing or seasoned sour cream
• Onion rings or tater tots
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Roasted or grilled sweet potatoes
• Guacamole served with homemade tortilla chips
• Ham and cheese sliders
• Cheese quesadillas
• Fresh green salad
• Mozzarella sticks

What to Serve With Mac and Cheese

These are just a handful of my favorite go-alongs with macaroni and cheese. For a complete list, check out my post of 21 Things to Serve with Mac and Cheese the whole family will love.

• Sloppy Joes sandwiches
• Pork ribs or pork chops
• Chicken tenders
• Homemade chicken nuggets
• Chopped salad or other green salads
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad

What To Do With Leftover Chili Mac

There are so many great ways to use up this easy chili mac. These are just a handful of my favorites.

• Use this chili mac & cheese as a topping for a baked potato or sweet potato.
• Throw a few heaping spoonfuls over hot dogs in buns.
• Replace the elbow macaroni with broken lasagna noodles to create a hearty chili lasagna.
• Make a chili mac soup.
• Use as an enchilada, taco or burrito filling/topping.
• Add as a filling for stuffed peppers or stuffed tomatoes.
• Serve over corn chips to create a tasty batch of chili-mac-nachos.
• Spoon over a batch of French fries and top with extra shredded cheese to create chili-cheese-mac-and-cheese fries.
• Serve with tater tots for a super hearty side or snack.
• Roll up in flour tortillas with some refried beans and salsa.
• Roll up in eggroll wrappers and fry

How Long Does Velveeta Cheese Last

Since Velveeta contains a high preservative content, it has a long shelf life. When stored in its original packaging, in a dry place, out of sunlight and at room temperature, it will stay fresh for a long time.

Fresh unopened Kraft foods Velveeta cheese is safe to consume for at least six months past the 

packaging date that has been printed on the box.

Once the package has been opened, it should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and used within 2 months.

For more info on how long does Velveeta last, check out my post here.

How to Store Leftover Chili Mac and Cheese

Cool the chili mac completely before storing. 

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

To Freeze – You can freeze this chili mac and cheese! Place in a freezer resealable bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for 3 – 4 months. When defrosting, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before heating and serving.

How to Reheat

Reheat refrigerated chili mac in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Stir and continue to reheat on high for 30 second bursts until heated through.

You can also reheat in a saute pan with a couple added teaspoons of water over medium heat until warmed through to your liking.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipes

• Crockpot Mac and Cheese (a Top 5 most popular Pip and Ebby recipe!)
• Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
• Mac and Cheese Bites

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