Description
One Pot Chili Mac is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the robust flavors of classic beef chili with creamy macaroni and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and requires minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot cooking method. Serve it at family dinners or gatherings, and enjoy the delicious leftovers throughout the week. With its rich flavors and customizable spice levels, One Pot Chili Mac is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about five minutes until softened. Push this mixture to one side of the pot.
- Add the ground beef in chunks into the cleared space. Let it sear for about three minutes. Break up the beef and mix it with the onion and peppers. Cook until nearly cooked through, around two minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic; cook for about thirty seconds. Then add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for one minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir in elbow macaroni and kidney beans. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer; then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender—about twelve to fifteen minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in half-and-half and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more chicken broth.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sliced green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg