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One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with hearty chili flavors for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, beef broth, and elbow macaroni. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Serve hot, topped with optional sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili beans. Leftovers store well and taste great reheated the next day.