This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy dish that combines tender pasta with a cheesy, spicy chili flavor. It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
If you love comfort food, this dish is your new best friend. I like to top mine with some extra cheese and a sprinkle of green onions—so tasty and easy to whip up after a long day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the chili mac. If you want a healthier alternative, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a meat substitute like Beyond Beef.
Beans: Kidney beans add protein and fiber. If you prefer a different bean, black beans or pinto beans will work well too. You can also skip the beans altogether for a meatier dish.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can easily swap it for shells, cavatappi, or any short pasta you enjoy. Just ensure the cooking time matches.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give lots of flavor and creaminess. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or use plant-based cheese if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth; you can add additional spices like oregano or even a bit of cayenne for heat. Adjust according to your taste!
How Do You Cook the Perfect One Pot Chili Mac?
Cooking this dish all in one pot makes it easy and convenient, but there are a few steps to keep in mind for the best results. First, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant; this builds the flavor base. When adding the beef, break it up well as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t rush the simmering stage! Letting the pasta cook in the chili broth helps it absorb all those amazing flavors.
- Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For the cheesy finish, remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese. This prevents it from becoming rubbery.
Following these steps will give you a delicious, creamy One Pot Chili Mac that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mild cheese blend)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can enjoy this hearty dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for approximately 2 minutes until it’s soft and starting to turn translucent. This will build a flavorful base for your dish!
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook everything together, breaking the beef up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the beef to brown and be fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it to keep your dish from being greasy.
3. Add the Spices:
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the meat and onions are fully coated with those delicious spices.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir all of this together until well combined. This mix is where all the flavor comes together!
5. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
6. Add the Cheese:
When the pasta is tender, take the pot off the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until everything is melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
7. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the pot again for a few minutes, just to let the cheese melt beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your One Pot Chili Mac with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
This dish perfectly combines the comforting flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese, all made conveniently in one pot for easy cleanup. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef, and it will still provide a delicious flavor. Just be mindful that it may cook slightly faster, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Elbow Macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta you prefer, like shells or penne. Just ensure it cooks in a similar amount of time to achieve that perfect tenderness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little splash of broth or water if it looks too dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
