Chili Mac with Leftover Chili

This Chili Mac with Leftover Chili is the ultimate family friendly dinner that brings comfort and convenience together in one skillet. With years of experience turning scratch made meals into easy weeknight favorites, I love finding ways to stretch leftovers into something new and delicious. This recipe transforms yesterday's chili into a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that tastes like it was made completely from scratch.

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This post was originally posted on 10/1/2020 and updated on 10/15/2025.

I grew up loving those easy boxed dinners where you just added hamburger, milk, and water, and they were some of the first meals I ever learned to make. These days, I skip the box and make my favorites from scratch, just like this Chili Mac with Leftover Chili. It’s a quick, family friendly way to turn a big pot of homemade chili into a brand new meal that even my leftover-skeptical husband happily enjoys.

Leftover Chili Mac Recipe Ingredients

• Leftover Chili: Any homemade or leftover chili works great for this recipe. Use what you have, whether it’s beef, turkey, or vegetarian. If you need a homemade version try my Three Bean Chili, it works perfect in this recipe.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic macaroni gives this dish that familiar comfort food feel, but any short pasta shape will work.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and adds a creamy, cheesy finish that ties the whole dish together.
• Water: The pasta cooks right in the water before the chili is added, soaking up just the right amount of liquid for a flavorful, one-skillet meal.
• Salt: Add the salt to the water while cooking the pasta to season it from the inside out and enhance every bite.

How to Make Chili Mac with Leftover Chili

1. First, add the box of macaroni along with 6 cups of water to a large deep skillet. Bring the water to a boil, stir in the salt and cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-6 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has been absorbed. There will still be some water in the pan, and that's a good thing. Don't overcook the pasta, it will continue to cook while you finish the dish.

2. Now add the leftover chili to the skillet and stir it up good. Increase the heat a bit and bring the chili mac to a low bubble.
3. Once there is some bubbles, start stirring in the shredded cheese one handful at a time. Do not dump all the cheese in at once, you will end up with a gloopy ball of cheese and it won't spread throughout the entire skillet. Gradually add it in and stir it until the cheese is melted each time you add some.

4. After all the cheese is added, reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring it a few times.

What to Serve with Leftover Chili Mac

This Chili Mac Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it's even better with some yummy sides too. Pair it with a slice of my buttery garlic bread or a warm piece of cornbread for soaking up every last bite. Add a simple green salad to round it out!

Storing One Pot Chili Mac

Storing: Any leftover chili mac that has been cooled can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing: You can also freeze the leftovers. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer safe airtight container, label, date and freeze. It will last in the freezer for at least 4 months.

Thawing: Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the microwave on the defrost setting.

Reheating: Reheat in microwave starting at a minute, stir and then keep reheating in intervals of 30 seconds until completely warmed through. You can also reheat over low heat on the stove. If needed, add a little bit of water to help maintain it's creaminess.

Tips for Chili Mac with Leftover Chili

• Use a deep 12 inch skillet to make stirring easier and avoid a huge mess on your stove. If you don't have a large enough skillet, use a dutch oven or soup pot. Either will work just as good.
• Shred your own cheese. It melts easier, won't leave a gritty texture and has the best flavor.
• Do not dump all the cheese in at once, you will end up with a ball of cheese and it won't melt throughout the entire skillet. Gradually add it in and stir it until the cheese is melted each time you add some.

Other Chili Recipes

I love chili and if you do too you will want to try these other delicious recipes I have. This Three Bean Chili is super easy and quick! I love this Crock Pot White Chicken Chili because it is a simple dump it, set it and forget it recipe! This Ground Turkey Chili has a yummy twist with the addition of beer and bbq sauce! Lastly, for a fun fall recipe this Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a winner!

More One Pot Recipes:

• Taco Pasta Skillet
• Creamy Chicken Orzo
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Easy Skillet Goulash
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce