Description

Craving comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and unbelievably delicious? This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is your answer. Perfect for busy nights, this easy dinner recipe combines two favorites—spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese—into one mouthwatering, one-pot meal. It’s loaded with ground beef, beans, tender pasta, bold spices, and a rich, cheesy finish. Whether you’re after dinner ideas, food ideas for picky eaters, or quick weekday meals, this dish has you covered. It’s also a great go-to for meal prep and cozy comfort food cravings!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups beef broth

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes.

4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add elbow macaroni, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.

5. Turn off heat, stir in both cheeses until melted. Fold in sour cream for a creamy finish.

6. Top with more cheese, sour cream, and cilantro or parsley. Add optional toppings and serve hot.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded and improves the texture significantly.

Stir the pot occasionally while simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom.

This recipe is freezer-friendly. Portion and freeze leftovers for easy meals later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 530
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

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