What ingredients do I need to make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?

To make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, you’ll need ground beef (or a meat alternative), dry pasta, canned diced tomatoes, beans (such as kidney or black beans), onion, garlic, chili powder or a spice blend, and shredded cheese. Additional spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper add flavor and heat. All ingredients cook together in one pot, making the process simple and quick.

How do I cook the pasta perfectly in One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Cook the pasta directly in the chili sauce until it is just al dente. Once the pasta is slightly firm but cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the cheese. Cover the pot and let it rest for a few minutes; the residual heat will finish cooking the pasta and melt the cheese, giving a creamy texture without overcooking.

Can I freeze One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese for later?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating helps restore creaminess.

What are good alternatives to ground beef in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb. For a vegetarian option, cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein work well. These alternatives absorb the chili spices and blend perfectly with the cheese and pasta.

How can I adjust the spice level in One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?

The spice level mainly depends on the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper you add. To keep it mild, reduce or omit cayenne pepper. To increase heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños. Taste as you go to match your preferred spice intensity without overwhelming the dish.

One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe For Quick Dinner

Name: One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, chopped; 500g (1 lb) ground beef, lean; 800g (28 oz) crushed canned tomatoes; 420g (14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained; 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also acceptable); 250g (8 oz) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked; 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese); 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped for garnish; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pure chili powder (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons paprika powder; 2 teaspoons cumin powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder (can substitute garlic powder); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Description

🌶 One Pot Chili Mac Cheese offers a convenient, hearty meal packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧀 This recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, beans, and melty cheese into a quick, comforting dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 red capsicum/bell pepper, chopped

500g (1 lb) ground beef, lean

800g (28 oz) crushed canned tomatoes

420g (14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained

2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also acceptable)

250g (8 oz) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked

2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese)

1/4 cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped for garnish

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pure chili powder (adjust to taste)

2 teaspoons paprika powder

2 teaspoons cumin powder

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder (can substitute garlic powder)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Heat Begin by measuring out all your ingredients for one pot chili mac and cheese to make things smooth. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese ahead of time. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to get started.

2-Second Step: Sauté and Brown Add the onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until they’re soft, then mix in the ground beef and brown it thoroughly. This step builds the base flavor for your chili mac cheese recipe, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

3-Third Step: Build the Sauce Stir in the tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices to create a hearty sauce. Bring it to a simmer for that perfect one pot dinner texture, blending all the quick dinner recipes elements together seamlessly.

4-Fourth Step: Add Pasta and Simmer Mix in the uncooked pasta and let it cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. This keeps your one pot chili mac and cheese from becoming mushy, maintaining that ideal saucy consistency.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate Beans and Finish Add the beans to warm through, then remove from heat. This ensures they retain their texture in your flavorful one pot chili mac and cheese recipe.

6-Sixth Step: Add Cheese Stir in the cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Let the dish rest to thicken, creating the comforting finish of a how to make one pot chili mac and cheese guide.

7-Seventh Step: Taste and Serve Adjust seasonings as needed and garnish before serving. For more pasta ideas, try our creamy beef bowtie pasta recipe for variety.

Notes

🌶 Adjust cayenne pepper in the spice blend for desired heat level.
🕒 Turn off heat when pasta is just cooked; residual heat will finish cooking.
🍗 Substitute ground beef with chicken, pork, turkey, or lamb as preferred.
❄ Recipe freezes well; reheat with extra cheese for better flavor.
🌾 For gluten-free options, cook gluten-free pasta separately and add later to avoid mushiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 524g
Calories: 768
Sugar: 12 grams
Sodium: 1630 mg
Fat: 35 grams
Saturated Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrates: 75 grams
Fiber: 11 grams
Protein: 44 grams
Cholesterol: 103 mg

Keywords: one pot chili mac cheese,quick chili mac comfort food,hearty mac and cheese,chili mac dinner