One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
This One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines hearty ground meat, bold chili spices, tender elbow macaroni, and creamy cheddar cheese into a comforting, easy-to-make meal all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Beans
- Jalapeños, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully browned and fragrant, ensuring the onions are softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to evenly coat the cooked meat mixture, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth; stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly for the base of the chili mac.
- Add Pasta and Boil: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil to start cooking the pasta.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the lid and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy, enriching the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Serve with Toppings: Dish out the chili mac and cheese into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like beans, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor or mild cheddar for a creamier, milder texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking according to taste.
Keywords: one-pot chili mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chili pasta bake, comfort food recipe, creamy cheddar pasta
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/one-pot-chili-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
