Description
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Loaded with ground beef, kidney beans, elbow macaroni, melty cheddar cheese, and bold chili flavor, it’s a quick and hearty dinner option made in one pot. Ideal for families and perfect for meal prep, this cheesy chili mac is easy, flavorful, and filling. Keywords include chili mac, one pot dinners, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipes, and family-friendly meals.
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
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
This dish is even better the next day as leftovers.
For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce while cooking.
Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg