One Pot Chili Mac

This One Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of beef chili, macaroni, and melty cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also filling, making it a go-to meal that offers plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Base
• For the Sauce
• For the Pasta
• For Creaminess and Cheese
• For Garnish
• How to Make One Pot Chili Mac
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Cook the Beef
• Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Simmer
• Step 7: Finish with Creaminess
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve One Pot Chili Mac
• Garnish with Fresh Toppings
• Pair with Bread
• Create a Complete Meal
• How to Perfect One Pot Chili Mac
• Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chili Mac
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Pot Chili Mac
• Reheating One Pot Chili Mac
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make One Pot Chili Mac vegetarian?
• What other toppings can I use for One Pot Chili Mac?
• How spicy is One Pot Chili Mac?
• Can I use different types of pasta?
• How do I make One Pot Chili Mac gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just one pot needed, clean-up is a breeze while you whip this dish up in under an hour.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a hearty taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal: Customize your Chili Mac with different toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This recipe yields about 10 cups, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days to come.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients make this meal both affordable and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious One Pot Chili Mac, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for making this one-pot dish, allowing ample space for all ingredients to combine beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking while maintaining flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently, making preparation quick and easy.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 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

For the Sauce

• 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)

For the Pasta

• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni (2 cups)
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For Creaminess and Cheese

• 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

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Cayenne pepper

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How to Make One Pot Chili Mac

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Push the mixture to one side of the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add ground beef in chunks to the cleared space. Let it sear for about 3 minutes. Break up beef and mix with onion and peppers. Cook until nearly cooked through, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in garlic; cook for another 30 seconds. Then add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute to toast spices.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir in elbow macaroni and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cook uncovered while stirring occasionally until pasta is tender—about 12–15 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Creaminess

Remove from heat; stir in half-and-half and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more chicken broth.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with optional toppings like sliced green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese as desired.

How to Serve One Pot Chili Mac

One Pot Chili Mac is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Toppings

• Sliced Green Onions – Add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Sour Cream – A dollop provides creaminess and balances the spices.
• Diced Tomatoes – Freshness from tomatoes brightens the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper – For those who love heat, sprinkle some on top.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the chili mac well.
• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread adds a nice contrast to the savory dish.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips provide texture and are perfect for dipping.

Create a Complete Meal

• Side Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Pickled Jalapeños – These add extra spice and zest to each bite.

How to Perfect One Pot Chili Mac

Creating the ultimate One Pot Chili Mac takes a few thoughtful steps. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Bold Seasoning – Don’t be shy with spices; they are key to vibrant flavors in chili mac.
• Quality Cheese – Use sharp cheddar for a rich taste that melts beautifully.
• Adjust Consistency – If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth until desired.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – This ensures the macaroni maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.
• Layer Flavors – Sauté veggies well before adding other ingredients for deeper flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chili Mac

To round out your meal, consider pairing One Pot Chili Mac with these delicious side dishes. They complement the hearty flavors without overshadowing them.

1. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a refreshing crunch.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Coleslaw – The tangy crunch of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the warm chili mac.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables brings earthy flavors and texture.
5. Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky beans harmonize with the chili spices in your main dish.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the savory elements of chili mac beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Chili Mac, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using too much liquid – Adding excessive broth or tomatoes can make your dish soupy. Stick to the recommended amounts for a perfect consistency.
• Overcooking the pasta – If you cook the macaroni too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
• Neglecting seasoning – Failing to season properly can dull the flavors. Taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Skipping the cheese – Not adding cheese at the end means missing out on that creamy texture. Always stir in cheese for a rich finish.
• Not letting it rest – Serving immediately can make the dish watery. Allow it to sit for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor and thickness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing One Pot Chili Mac

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Chili Mac

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One Pot Chili Mac vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.

What other toppings can I use for One Pot Chili Mac?

You can add avocado, jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

How spicy is One Pot Chili Mac?

The spice level depends on the chili powder and green chilies used. Adjust these ingredients based on your preference.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or penne.

How do I make One Pot Chili Mac gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chili Mac is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different toppings or spices based on personal preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy hearty leftovers!

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