This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with cheesy goodness, hearty chili, and pasta all cooked in just one pot. Less mess, more yum!
I love how quick this dish is to whip up. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food without spending ages in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist that creamy cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star ingredient! It adds protein and richness. If you prefer, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Kidney Beans: These give a hearty texture and nutrition. You can swap them with black beans or pinto beans for different flavors or simply omit if you want a lighter dish.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its taste, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack would also be delicious. Dairy-free cheese is a great option if you avoid dairy.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice! You can use other pasta shapes too, like shells or rotini. Gluten-free pasta works well if you need a gluten-free option.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta is Cooked Perfectly?
The pasta cooking can be tricky! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Don’t skip stirring during cooking; it prevents sticking.
- Check for doneness a couple of minutes before the time is up; you want it al dente, not mushy.
- If it looks too dry, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to keep things creamy.
Allowing the pasta to absorb all that flavor while cooking makes it even better! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time. In total, expect to spend around 40-45 minutes in the kitchen. It’s a quick, one-pot meal that delivers on flavor and comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot with the beef. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and you can smell that delicious garlic aroma.
3. Sprinkle the Spices:
Time to add a burst of flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute—this blooming process helps enhance the spices’ flavors.
4. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Now, pour in the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), beef broth, and water. Give everything a good stir to combine well.
5. Add the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a nice boil. As soon as it’s boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed—this should take about 10-12 minutes.
6. Melt in the Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. If you’d like a richer texture, feel free to add some sour cream or cream cheese at this point!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish. Adjust the seasonings with extra salt and pepper according to your preference.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish your comforting Chili Mac and Cheese with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a delicious, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love! It’s the perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly since it may cook a bit faster than beef.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply using mushrooms and more beans for that hearty feel. Ensure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Freeze This Chili Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
