Name: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt to taste

If there’s one meal that perfectly balances bold comfort and effortless prep, it’s One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. This dish is hearty, cheesy, slightly spicy, and ready to hit the table in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknight cooking feel cozy rather than chaotic.

What makes this recipe irresistible is the rich blend of ground beef, tender macaroni, and chili-spiced tomato sauce all coming together in one skillet. No need to juggle multiple pans or overcomplicate dinner. Just simmer, stir, and serve up a family favorite that tastes like it took much longer than it did.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This is the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests. It’s a time-saver without cutting corners on flavor. The beef adds savory depth, the beans bring protein and creaminess, and the melted cheese finishes it off with ultimate comfort. It’s also easily adaptable — whether you like it spicier, cheesier, or meatless, you can make it your own. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chili Mac?

Traditional elbow macaroni is the go-to for good reason: it cooks quickly and soaks up the chili flavors like a champ. That said, other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi work too. Just keep an eye on cooking time and make sure the pasta is tender before adding the cheese.

Ingredients for the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This recipe keeps ingredients simple but flavorful, using pantry staples you likely already have.

Ground beef is the base of the dish, adding rich, meaty flavor and texture.

Onion provides aromatic depth and sweetness that builds a savory foundation.

Garlic gives a pungent kick that enhances the chili spices.

Chili powder and cumin create that unmistakable chili warmth.

Tomato paste and diced tomatoes bring acidity, depth, and body to the sauce.

Kidney beans add creaminess and fiber to balance the protein.

Elbow macaroni soaks up every drop of the seasoned sauce.

Beef broth ensures everything cooks evenly and infuses flavor.

Cheddar cheese is the grand finale, melting into every bite with gooey richness.

How To Make the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook the chopped onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Let it toast for a minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and gently stir it in until melted and creamy.

How to Serve and Store One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This recipe serves about 6 people, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or weekly meal prep. To serve, scoop into bowls and top with a little extra cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if you like contrast. For leftovers, let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

What to Serve With One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread is ideal for scooping up cheesy bites and balancing the spice.

Simple Green Salad

Add freshness with a tossed salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred flavor of roasted broccoli pairs perfectly with the richness of the chili mac.

Cornbread Muffins

Sweet cornbread adds a Southern touch and soaks up all that saucy goodness.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like heat, serve a few tangy jalapeños on the side.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado cools down each bite and adds healthy fats.

Coleslaw

The crunch and tang of coleslaw balance out the comfort-food vibe.

Fried Plantains

For something unexpected, crispy-sweet plantains offer a fun texture and flavor contrast.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese hits the spot, these other comfort food recipes are worth trying too:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can find it fast when dinner time hits.

Let me know how it turned out! Did you make it extra spicy? Swap the beef for turkey? I love seeing how you put your twist on these recipes.

Explore even more feel-good recipes and weeknight hits over on Luna Meals on Pinterest.

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chili Mac?

Ingredients for the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese