This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy dish that combines creamy cheese with hearty chili flavors. It cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra gooeyness, because who can resist more cheese? I love how quickly this comes together for a family dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try using a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans to keep it hearty.
Beans: Kidney beans add creaminess, but you can use black beans or pinto beans as alternatives. If you’re avoiding beans, feel free to add more meat or some veggies instead!
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but cavatappi works great too. Any short pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli, can be a good substitute.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar makes this dish super cheesy! If you want a twist, try pepper jack for a bit of heat. Also, I love adding mozzarella for extra creaminess if you have it.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta in One Pot?
Cooking pasta in the same pot as your other ingredients is key for flavor! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the pasta is just tender, as it will continue to cook slightly after removing from heat.
- By adding cheese at the end, you allow it to melt perfectly into the dish, giving you a creamy texture.
Following these steps ensures you’ll have a delicious one pot meal that’s ready in no time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the ground beef and onions, followed by 10-12 minutes simmering the pasta and flavors together, and just a few minutes for melting the cheese. It’s a quick and filling meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Onion:
Start by heating a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) along with the chopped onion. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s browned and the onion has softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about 1 minute until you can start to smell its wonderful aroma. This will add great flavor to your dish!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Now, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for another 30 seconds so the spices can bloom and their flavors can develop.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, and water. Stir it all together to combine everything nicely.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add in the pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking!
6. Stir in the Cheese:
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese (and the Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you’re using it). Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy.
7. Melt the Rest of the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the pot again and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pot from heat and garnish your delicious chili mac with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. It’s ready to serve!
9. Optional Topping:
For an extra treat, add a dollop of sour cream on top when serving!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, one pot chili mac that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute or just add more beans and veggies!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild instead. For more heat, you can add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use spicy pepper jack cheese.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese and cover the pot in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove, stir in the cheese, and enjoy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
