This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy mix of pasta, cheese, and flavorful chili. Everything cooks together in one pot, making clean-up super easy!
What’s not to love about cheesy goodness? I often make this when I’m in a rush; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that the whole family enjoys. 😊
I like to top it with a sprinkle of green onions or some extra cheese. The best part? You can whip it up in no time and have a filling meal ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, but you can easily swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Beans: Kidney beans are great for texture and protein. If you don’t have them, black beans or pinto beans work well too. Canned beans save time, but you can also use dried beans—just cook them ahead as they take longer.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use any small pasta shape like shells or penne. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if you need to fit dietary preferences.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack add creaminess and flavor. You can mix cheeses, using something like mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly in One Pot?
The trick to cooking pasta in the same pot as your chili is to monitor the liquid levels. In this recipe, the pasta absorbs some cooking liquid, so use the right amount of broth and water. Here’s how:
- Start by bringing the mixture to a full boil before adding pasta. This helps it cook evenly.
- Stir the pasta often while it’s cooking, this prevents it from sticking together.
- Keep an eye on the liquid. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Check for doneness a minute before the package time, so it doesn’t overcook.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta every time!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Optional: sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s brown and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. If there’s excess grease, drain it out to keep your dish light.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté these together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavors! Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
4. Combine Base Ingredients:
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, beef broth, and water to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients nicely.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Bring your mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, toss in the elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, which will take about 10-12 minutes.
6. Mix in Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Yum!
7. Melt the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sliced green onions over the top to add some freshness. Serve your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese hot, maybe with a dollop of sour cream if you like!
This dish truly is a heartwarming combination of cheesy goodness and hearty chili—a winning meal that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just note that it may cook a bit quicker than beef, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. It will still add great flavor to the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian! Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a little splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as it can thicken when chilled.
