Description
One Pot Chili Mac is a delightful fusion of classic beef chili, macaroni pasta, and gooey melted cheese—all cooked in just one pot! This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and makes for fantastic leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting goodness for days. Dive into this quick and satisfying recipe that combines the best of chili and mac and cheese in a deliciously creamy casserole!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth, plus ½ cup more to thin if needed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 8 oz dry elbow macaroni (2 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup half and half (or ⅓ cup heavy cream)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving if desired
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.
- Add chopped onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Push veggies aside, add ground beef and sear for 3 minutes, then break apart.
- Stir in minced garlic and spices; cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, diced chilies, macaroni, and kidney beans; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to simmer; reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat; stir in half and half and shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sliced green onions or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Feel free to adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot diced green chilies.