One-Pot Chili Mac

When comfort food calls, few dishes deliver the same level of satisfaction as a steaming bowl of One-Pot Chili Mac. This cozy meal is the perfect marriage of two classics: hearty beef chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. Together, they create a cheesy, savory, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes—and all in one pot.

It’s the kind of dish that warms you up on a chilly evening, but it’s also practical for weeknight cooking. No juggling multiple pots, no endless cleanup, just one skillet or Dutch oven filled with bold chili flavors and creamy pasta goodness.

If you’re looking for a dish that feeds a crowd, pleases picky eaters, and makes great leftovers, Chili Mac is your answer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Spice It Up: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne over the mixture. Stir until fragrant.
4. Tomatoes & Beans: Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
5. Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour in broth and add uncooked macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Cheesy Finish: Remove lid, stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve hot.

Why Chili Mac Wins Every Time

Chili Mac is more than just food—it’s comfort in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Two Classics in One → Chili + Mac & Cheese = pure magic.
• One-Pot Convenience → Less mess, fewer dishes, maximum flavor.
• Budget-Friendly → Pasta, beans, and cheese stretch the protein for more servings.
• Customizable → Spice it up with jalapeños, make it creamy with extra cheese, or swap beef for turkey.

Variations & Tips

• Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese for added richness.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Version: Use hot Rotel tomatoes or add chipotle peppers.
• Make Ahead: Great for meal prep—flavors deepen as it sits.

Serving Ideas

• With cornbread on the side for a Southern-style dinner.
• Topped with sour cream and scallions like classic chili.
• As a game day dish—serve it in bowls with tortilla chips.

One-Pot Chili Mac

A hearty, cheesy comfort food classic combining chili and mac & cheese into one pot. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or blend
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef in olive oil. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne.
4. Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir well.
5. Pour in broth and uncooked macaroni. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes.
6. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add 2 oz cream cheese when stirring in cheddar.