Cozy One Pot Chili Mac Recipe: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Creamy, hearty one pot chili mac brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together in a single skillet.

Zesty spices and rich ground beef create a flavor explosion that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, binding all ingredients in delicious harmony.

Weekend meal planning just got easier with this simple, filling recipe.

Weeknight dinners no longer need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Scoop up this delightful meal and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Keep Making One Pot Chili Mac

• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: This single-pot wonder means fewer dishes and less time scrubbing, letting you enjoy your meal without dreading post-cooking chaos.
• Packed with Hearty Nutrition: Combine protein-rich ground beef, beans, and pasta for a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay and delivers robust flavors in every bite.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt toppings like green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese to match personal preferences, making this recipe a crowd-pleasing champion for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Quickly transform simple ingredients into a delicious, complete meal in under thirty minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious and hunger is real.

What You Need For One Pot Chili Mac

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the chili mac.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that brings a pungent and robust taste.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and tangy flavor to the chili mac.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Spice blend that creates a warm, complex flavor profile for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the chili mac sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Half and Half: Creates a creamy, smooth texture in the final preparation.

• Macaroni: The classic pasta that forms the base of this one-pot meal.
• Kidney Beans: Adds protein, texture, and a traditional chili component.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, flavorful topping that brings richness to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Extra Cheese: Customizable garnishes that add freshness and additional flavor layers.

Directions For One Pot Chili Mac

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onion and red bell pepper, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes. Push the veggies to one side of the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the cleared space and let it sear for 3 minutes. Break up the beef and mix with the onion and bell pepper. Keep cooking until the beef is almost completely done, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Introduce chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring and letting the spices toast for 1 minute to release their deep, rich aroma.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Diced green chilies

Stir in macaroni and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cook uncovered, giving occasional stirs, until the pasta becomes tender, around 12–15 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Remove from heat. Blend in half and half and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture turns smooth and luxuriously creamy. If you prefer a looser consistency, splash in extra chicken broth.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Extra cheese

Cooking Help For One Pot Chili Mac

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices before adding liquids to unlock their full aromatic potential and enhance the overall taste profile of the chili mac.
• Quick Clean-Up: Using a single pot reduces dishwashing time and makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap half and half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to create a delicious vegan version.
• Control Pasta Texture: Watch pasta closely during cooking and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure perfectly al dente macaroni.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and add hot sauce or jalapeños to increase heat intensity according to personal preference.

Different Ways To Make One Pot Chili Mac

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all spices and broth are certified gluten-free. Verify ingredient labels carefully to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower pasta. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid content to prevent mushiness.

Sides To Serve With One Pot Chili Mac

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty, spicy flavors of the chili mac, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Refresh with Crisp Lager: Select a cold Mexican-style lager like Modelo or Dos Equis, which provides a light, refreshing contrast to the spicy and creamy dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to add crunch and acidity that balances the dish's warmth and creaminess.

How To Keep One Pot Chili Mac Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili mac to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, adding chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQ About One Pot Chili Mac

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili powder and green chilies. You can adjust the heat by using mild chili powder or reducing the amount of green chilies.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra beans like black beans or pinto beans for protein.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free to create a safe, delicious meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

One Pot Chili Mac Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 31–34 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty one pot chili mac, blending zesty chili flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Cheesy, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes, you’ll savor every spoonful of this quick and delicious meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 4 ounces (113 grams) can diced green chilies (mild or hot)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes

Spices, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 28 ounces (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can low-sodium chicken broth, plus 1/2 cup more to thin if necessary
• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry elbow macaroni (2 cups)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup half and half (or 1/3 cup heavy cream)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Toss chopped onion and vibrant red bell pepper into the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the cleared pot space, letting it develop a rich golden sear for 3 minutes. Methodically break down the meat and integrate it with the sautéed vegetables, continuing to cook until the beef is nearly completely done.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic into the mixture, releasing its pungent essence for 30 seconds. Quickly incorporate chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, toasting the spices to intensify their depth for 1 minute.
5. Stream crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced green chilies into the pot. Fold in macaroni and kidney beans, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Allow the dish to cook uncovered, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, roughly 12-15 minutes.
7. Lift the pot from heat and swirl in half and half and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust liquid with additional chicken broth if a more fluid texture is desired.
8. Present the chili mac with an array of optional garnishes such as freshly sliced green onions, dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, or an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Notes

• Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Sear ground beef in batches if needed to achieve a nice golden-brown crust and develop deeper flavor.
• Toast spices briefly to enhance their aromatic qualities and release essential oils before adding liquid ingredients.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking throughout the dish.
• Adjust liquid content by adding more chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, creating your desired consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for beef without compromising taste.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days, reheating with a splash of additional broth to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 21–24 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 432 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg