This One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful chili spices, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
You’ll love how it warms you up on chilly days, plus the kids absolutely devour it. I like to top mine with a sprinkle of green onions or some crunchy chips for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Regular ground beef gives great flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, black beans or lentils are fantastic protein substitutes.
Kidney Beans: These add a nice texture and protein. You can swap them for black beans or pinto beans if you have those on hand, or leave them out entirely for a meatier dish.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but feel free to use any short pasta like shell or penne. If gluten-free, there are many good gluten-free pasta options available.
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a gooey cheese sauce. If you’re dairy-free, you can use plant-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in this dish requires careful attention to avoid the noodles turning mushy. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the pot is boiling before adding the elbow macaroni. This helps it cook evenly.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level. If it looks like it’s drying out too quickly, add a little more beef broth or water.
- Check the pasta a couple of minutes before the cooking time is up. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite, known as al dente.
By following these suggestions, you’ll create a delicious One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese that’s full of flavor and texture! Enjoy cooking!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Serving:
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, creamy dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drizzle in a little olive oil and add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for around 4-5 minutes until they are nice and softened.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells amazing! Now, add in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain it off.
3. Mix in the Spices:
To bring out the flavors, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute—just enough to toast the spices!
4. Add the Beans and Broth:
Now it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes (and all their juice), drained kidney beans, and the beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese is ready to serve! Dish it out hot, topping with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
This comforting meal is made in just one pot, keeping cleanup a breeze, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. Just cook it the same way as you would the ground beef until it’s no longer pink.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or additional beans, like black beans or pinto beans, to keep it hearty and nutritious. Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them along with the diced tomatoes so they have enough time to cook through.