Description
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—rich, cheesy, meaty, and satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it combines hearty chili flavor with creamy macaroni in a single pot. Easy, delicious, and family-friendly dinner idea!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
This dish is customizable—swap in black or pinto beans.
Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture.
Add extra broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg