Description

Looking for the perfect comfort food that’s both hearty and cheesy? This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is your go-to solution for an easy dinner, quick comfort meal, or crowd-pleasing party dish. A fusion of spicy chili and gooey mac and cheese, it’s a flavorful one-pot wonder. Ideal for anyone searching for easy recipes, quick dinners, weeknight meal ideas, or a deliciously cheesy comfort dish. This recipe is rich in protein, full of bold spices, and takes just one pot from stove to table.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

15 oz can diced tomatoes

8 oz can tomato sauce

2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

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 (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well, scraping the pot to deglaze.

5. Mix in kidney beans and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Stir in elbow macaroni. Reduce heat slightly and cover loosely. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Once pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, turn off heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar and all mozzarella.

8. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, cover for 2–3 minutes to melt.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

For added creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, more melty texture—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents.

To make it vegetarian, simply replace the meat with additional beans or a plant-based meat substitute.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 75mg