Are you ever staring down a weeknight dinner dilemma? I know I am. The clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and you just want something delicious without a mountain of dishes. That’s where my beloved One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese comes in. It’s like a culinary superhero for busy days!
This recipe is truly a lifesaver. It’s a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a hearty, flavorful meal on the table fast. Your family will adore this easy recipe. It’s pure comfort food magic, I tell you.
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a weeknight wonder. It’s incredibly simple to whip up. You’ll love the minimal cleanup. Plus, the flavor is absolutely divine. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for busy families. This easy recipe saves the day.
PrintOne Pot Chili Mac and Cheese: Quick Dinner Magic!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal combining the flavors of chili and mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, Rotel, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier chili mac, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans.
- Add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Top with your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun. It’s like assembling a treasure chest for dinner! You’ll find the exact amounts listed at the bottom for printing.
Ground Beef
We start with some savory ground beef. It forms the hearty base of our chili mac. You can use lean or regular; it’s your call!
Aromatics (Onion & Garlic)
Onions and garlic are flavor powerhouses. They build a fragrant foundation. Just a little bit adds so much depth.
Beans for Heartiness
Kidney beans are classic chili companions. They add wonderful texture and fiber. Feel free to swap them out for black or pinto beans if you like.
Tomatoes for Tang
Canned diced tomatoes bring a lovely tang. Rotel adds a little kick with green chilies. They create a rich, savory sauce.
Broth for Flavor Base
Beef broth is our liquid gold. It helps cook the pasta. It also infuses everything with savory goodness.
Spices for Chili Kick
Chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne are key. They give our dish that signature chili flavor. Adjust the heat to your liking.
Pasta for the “Mac”
Elbow macaroni is the star of the “mac” part. It cooks right in the pot. It soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Cheese & Milk for Creaminess
Shredded cheddar cheese and milk turn this into pure comfort. They create a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s the gooey, cheesy finish we all crave.
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so straightforward. You’ll be amazed at the flavor. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze. It’s the perfect weeknight solution. This easy recipe is a game-changer.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First, grab a large pot. Or maybe a Dutch oven works great. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any extra grease. This keeps our chili mac from being too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Now, add your chopped onion. Cook it with the beef. You want it to get nice and soft. This usually takes about five minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for just one more minute. The kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Chili Foundation
Time for the chili magic. Add the drained kidney beans. Pour in the diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the Rotel too. Stir in the beef broth. Add your chili powder and cumin. A little cayenne pepper adds spice. Season with salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir.
Step 4: Introduce the Pasta
Bring the whole mixture to a boil. Now, it’s time for the pasta. Stir in those elbow macaroni. Make sure they’re all submerged. This is where the magic really happens.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer gently. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally, okay? This stops the pasta from sticking. Check if the macaroni is tender. It should be perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Stir in Creaminess
Uncover the pot. It’s time for the best part. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the milk slowly. Keep stirring until it’s all melted. You want a creamy, luscious sauce. This makes our One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese truly special. Serve it up hot!
Tips for Success
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven. This gives ingredients room.
- Stir the pasta often. Prevent sticking is key.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Make it your own!
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be tender, not mushy.
- Shred your own cheese. It melts much better this way.
Equipment Needed
- A large pot or Dutch oven is essential. It handles everything.
- A cutting board and sharp knife are needed. For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons are helpful. For accuracy.
- A stirring spoon or spatula is a must. For mixing and scraping.
Variations for Your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce works wonders too.
- Bean Bonanza: Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans. Even a mix is great!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some corn or diced bell peppers. Frozen corn is super easy.
- Leaner Option: Use ground turkey or chicken. It’s a lighter choice.
- Cheesy Dreams: Mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. Try a Colby blend for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with cool sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions.
- Add a few sliced jalapeños for extra zing.
- Serve with a simple side salad.
- A crisp, cold beer pairs wonderfully.
FAQs about One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! It’s super easy. Just skip the ground beef. You can add more beans. Lentils or a plant-based ground substitute also work great. You’ll still get that amazing chili mac flavor.
What other types of pasta work well?
Elbow macaroni is classic. But feel free to experiment! Small shells, rotini, or penne are excellent choices. Just ensure they cook within the time frame. They’ll soak up the savory sauce.
How can I make this spicier?
For a real kick, add more cayenne pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic. You could also use a spicier Rotel. Adjust to your heat preference. Enjoy the warmth!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A truly magical meal. This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is more than just dinner. It’s a testament to simple, delicious cooking. It brings comfort and smiles to your table. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special. You’ve created something wonderful. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
