Description

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying comfort meal made in a single pot. Combining the spicy, rich flavor of chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

3 cups beef broth

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional: ½ cup chopped green bell pepper or jalapeño

Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

4. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce heat slightly, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

6. Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.

7. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt—pre-shredded tends to be coated and clumpy.

If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly to avoid mushiness upon reheating.

To stretch the recipe further, stir in 1 extra cup of broth and a handful of spinach or corn at the end.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: One Pot Meals
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 530
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 810mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg