Description
Cozy, kid-friendly, and satisfying, this One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese combines spicy chili flavor, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese in a single pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- For garnish: Sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or avocado slices
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey/crumbles) and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains — about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and the drained and rinsed beans to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a strong simmer. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and push it down so it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring every 2–3 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle portions into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes before serving.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. Adjust pasta cooking time to avoid overcooking, as it will continue to soften when reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chili, mac and cheese, one pot meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food