This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a warm, cheesy delight that’s super easy to make! All your favorite flavors come together in one pot for a cozy meal.
I love how it saves on washing dishes—less time cleaning, more time eating! Plus, who can resist creamy cheese mixed with chili? It’s a win-win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the dish, but feel free to swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter version or a vegetarian option.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies provide great flavor. You can use shallots instead of onion or replace the bell pepper with any color you like. Zucchini or mushrooms are nice alternatives too!
Diced Tomatoes: The canned tomatoes with green chilies add spice. If you prefer less heat, choose plain diced tomatoes and add fresh spices, or use tomato sauce and some chili flakes.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or keep it dairy-free with vegan cheese alternatives.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Doesn’t Stick?
Keeping the macaroni from sticking is key to making this dish a success. Here’s how to do it:
- Use plenty of liquid. The right amount of beef broth and water is crucial.
- Stir often! Give the pot a gentle stir every few minutes while it simmers.
- Monitor the heat—keep it low enough to gently simmer, but not so low that it stops cooking.
- Once done, keep the lid on for a bit after adding cheese; this helps steam and melt the cheese without burning the pasta.
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Now, add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are soft and the onion is translucent.
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, water, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the Pasta:
Once it’s boiling, add the dry elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir it up and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Cheese it Up:
After the pasta is done, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm, and enjoy your comforting bowl of One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until they are browned and no longer pink.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it entirely. Consider adding more beans, like black beans or kidney beans, and extra vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Yes, you can use other kinds of pasta! Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different shapes may require adjustments. Smaller shapes like shells or rotini might cook faster, while larger shapes may need a bit longer to become tender.
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 water or broth, and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the pasta.