If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor, One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the answer. This one-pot dish combines two favorite meals—chili and mac and cheese—into a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that will make your taste buds sing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving a hearty bowl of comfort food. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
In this article, we’ll guide you through this easy and delicious recipe, share some helpful tips for success, and introduce related recipes that will complement your meal. Let’s dive into the world of One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
What Is One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a delightful hybrid of two beloved dishes: chili and mac and cheese. The savory, spiced flavors of chili meld perfectly with creamy, gooey macaroni and cheese. This recipe is designed to be cooked in just one pot, saving you time and dishes without compromising on flavor. Ground beef or turkey provides protein, while beans, tomatoes, and seasonings deliver that signature chili kick. The addition of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses brings the rich, melty texture you expect from mac and cheese. The best part? It’s easy to make, and cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather all the ingredients for your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 lb ground beef or turkey (use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (15 oz) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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2 cups beef or vegetable broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: Sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is both filling and packed with flavor. The balance of spices, cheese, and protein makes One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to prepare the perfect One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese:
Step 1: Cook the Meat & Veggies
In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll want to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is fully browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base for your dish, making it rich and savory.
Step 2: Add Liquids & Seasonings
Once the meat and veggies are cooked, it’s time to add the liquids and spices. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black or kidney beans, and the broth of your choice. For an even more flavorful dish, consider using beef broth. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to combine and intensify.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
Now it’s time to add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir it into the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let the macaroni cook for about 10-12 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavors from the broth and seasonings, and the dish will become thick and creamy. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed, it’s time to turn this chili mac into something extra special: cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the macaroni. The combination of these two cheeses gives the dish a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with optional toppings. Sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips add a pop of freshness, spice, and crunch. These toppings not only enhance the flavors but also elevate the presentation of this comforting dish.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
While this recipe is simple to make, there are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:
1. Use Lean Ground Meat
For a healthier version of One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, opt for lean ground beef or turkey. Lean meat reduces the overall fat content without compromising flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible meat.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika provide a good amount of heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or use sweet paprika instead of smoked.
3. Stir Frequently
While simmering the macaroni, make sure to stir the pot occasionally. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures an even distribution of the cheese and seasonings. Stirring also helps the pasta cook evenly.
4. Use Full-Fat Cheese
For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. They melt better and create a richer, more velvety sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, you can use reduced-fat cheese, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
5. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
To make your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese even more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic. They’ll cook down and blend in seamlessly, adding color and vitamins to your meal.
Nutritional Information
While One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish, it’s also a satisfying and hearty meal. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (based on 6 servings):
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Calories: 550
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Protein: 30g
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Carbs: 45g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sodium: 900mg
Of course, these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of the dish’s hearty nature.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, check out these other cheesy, comforting recipes that you can prepare with similar ingredients or cooking methods:
FAQs About One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni or another type of gluten-free pasta.
Q2: Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
Q3: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Q4: Can I add more cheese?
Of course! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the dish. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or skip it entirely. You can also add extra vegetables to make the dish even more filling.
Conclusion
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of chili and mac and cheese into one flavorful, easy-to-make dish. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and savory chili flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this one-pot meal will hit the spot every time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious bowl of One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese tonight!
Print
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a comforting and hearty dish combining the richness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of chili. With ground beef (or turkey), beans, spices, and two types of cheese, it’s the perfect one-pot wonder for a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This easy, cheesy dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef or turkey (plant-based crumbles for vegetarian option)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (15 oz) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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2 cups beef or vegetable broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: Sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
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Cook Meat & Veggies: Brown the ground beef (or turkey) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Liquids & Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is tender.
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Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
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Serve & Garnish: Serve the chili mac topped with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free, and substitute vegetable broth for a fully dairy-free dish.
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Meal Prep Tip: This chili mac keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to make the dish as spicy or mild as you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, Chili Mac, Easy Chili Mac, One-Pot Meal, Cheesy Chili Mac, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner