One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

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When you combine the bold, hearty flavors of chili with the cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese, the result is an unforgettable one-pot meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, bringing together tender pasta, ground meat, savory spices, and gooey melted cheese in a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

What makes this dish so special is how it merges two classics into one cohesive, crave-worthy meal. You get the bold depth of chili—complete with beans, ground beef, and smoky seasoning—blended with the indulgent creaminess of mac and cheese. It’s one of those rare meals that feels both nostalgic and exciting, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests with minimal cleanup.

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

• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, less fuss, and quick cleanup.
• Bold and Cheesy: Satisfies both chili lovers and mac and cheese fans.
• Filling and Hearty: Loaded with protein, carbs, and flavor.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, you don’t need a cluttered kitchen—just a few dependable tools:

• Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: This is the heart of the recipe. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and holds all the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly grated cheese that melts beautifully.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially for spices and pasta-to-liquid ratio.

Having these tools ready before you start will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients before turning on the stove—this includes chopping onions, grating cheese, draining beans, and measuring spices. Browning the meat thoroughly adds depth to the flavor, so don’t rush that step. When adding pasta, make sure it’s fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Keep the pot partially covered to retain moisture but allow a bit of steam to escape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure every bite gets infused with flavor. And always let the cheese melt fully on top before serving—that gooey finish is part of the magic.

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Ingredients for this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat

Add ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any flavor-packed bits.

Step 4: Mix in Beans and Broth

Stir in the kidney beans and pour in the beef broth. Let it come to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Once the mixture is simmering, stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce heat slightly and cover the pot loosely. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and all of the mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Finish with Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and cover the pot for 2–3 minutes to let it melt. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

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Notes

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week. It also adapts well to dietary needs—swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or ground turkey, and use gluten-free pasta if necessary. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you like it spicy, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not browning the meat properly: This step builds deep flavor—make sure the beef is well-browned before moving on.
• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pot, as pasta can quickly go from al dente to mushy.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go, especially before serving, and adjust salt or spice levels.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother, creamier texture.
• Forgetting to stir occasionally: This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just cool it completely before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or more beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

What kind of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work well.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s not recommended since the pasta cooks in the broth and absorbs flavor. Pre-cooked pasta may become too soft.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild kick. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

You can use crushed tomatoes or a little tomato paste with extra broth to create a similar effect.

How can I make it creamier?

Add a splash of cream or stir in sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra richness.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and makes a filling lunch or dinner for busy days.

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Conclusion

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, offering bold chili flavors with the gooey goodness of mac and cheese—all made in a single pot. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share, this dish delivers on all fronts: taste, convenience, and satisfaction. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation.

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