Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese merges the best of two ultimate comfort foods into a super-easy, streamlined meal. Ground beef, pasta, beans, and gooey cheese all simmer together in one pot — saving time and reducing cleanup. It’s kid-approved, budget-friendly, and perfect for chilly nights.
What Makes It Special
Everything in one pot — no juggling multiple dishes
Rich, cheesy, and hearty — classic chili meets mac and cheese
Fast and family-friendly — dinner on the table in under 30 minutes
Adaptable — use ground turkey, add veggies, or go dairy-free
Freezer and meal-prep friendly — make once, eat twice
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey |
| Base | 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 bell pepper (diced) |
| Liquids | 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth |
| Tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra depth) |
| Pasta | 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni |
| Beans | Optional: 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained & rinsed |
| Seasoning | 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper |
| Cheese | 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar or cheddar blend |
| Garnish | Fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions (optional) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Your Veggies
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened (~5 minutes).
2. Brown the Meat
Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain briefly if needed.
3. Build the Chili Base
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let toast for about 1 minute to deepen flavor.
4. Add Liquids, Tomatoes & Pasta
Add broth, diced tomatoes, and pasta. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until pasta is just al dente (~12–15 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5. Add Beans (Optional)
If using beans, stir them in midway through cooking and ensure everything heats through.
6. Finish with Cheese
Once pasta is tender, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Cover to let it melt (2–3 minutes) until creamy.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and spritz with Optional fresh herbs or green onions for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Add sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for cool richness
Serve over a green side salad to balance the richness
Pair with cornbread or garlic toast for dipping
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to retain creaminess
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option—just be sure to flavor generously.
Must I use beans?
Nope! Beans add fiber and heartiness, but can be skipped if you want something lighter or lower carb.
How do I keep it from sticking or burning?
Stir every few minutes while simmering and maintain medium-low heat for even cooking.
Is it spicy?
Balanced in spice — adjust chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip meat, increase beans or add lentils/plant-based crumbles, and follow the same steps.
Variations to Try
Southwest Twist: Add corn and top with cilantro and lime
Four-Cheese Chili Mac: Stir in a blend of monterey jack, pepper jack, and cheddar
Creamy Option: Mix in a splash of cream or cream cheese at the end
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food for busy evenings. It’s fast, filling, and flexible — with the added bonus of one-pot simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction with minimal fuss.
Give it a try tonight—your cozy bowl of cheesy chili mac awaits!
