If there ever was a dish that wrapped comfort, flavor, and convenience into one pot, it’s this hearty One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or those moments when you crave something warm and filling without a ton of effort.

This dish brings together everything you love about chili—savory ground beef, beans, and warming spices—and marries it with the cheesy, creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese. The result? A dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, and maybe even leaves you with leftovers for lunch.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chili Mac and Cheese?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because its hollow shape holds onto the beefy, cheesy sauce beautifully. However, you can also use small shells, rotini, or even cavatappi. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta you choose.

Ingredients for the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20 works best)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Cheesy Finish:

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (optional)
Sour cream and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Make the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Onion, Garlic & Spices

Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Liquids

Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Mix in Pasta and Beans

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and drained kidney beans to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Cooked

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Make It Cheesy!

Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar (and Monterey Jack if using) until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Serve with Toppings

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

How to Serve and Store One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the pot. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or buttery cornbread.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great as a leaner alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just prepare everything up to the cheese step. Reheat and stir in the cheese right before serving for best texture.

What can I use instead of kidney beans?

Black beans or pinto beans are delicious substitutes if you’re out of kidney beans.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild chili warmth. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or even lentils, and use veggie broth.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Add the cheese off the heat and stir quickly. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comfort Food Twist?

If this cheesy chili mac has won your heart, don’t miss these other hearty meals that bring flavor and ease together:

These recipes deliver the same satisfying, crowd-pleasing flavors—all with minimal cleanup.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more spice? Try a different cheese blend? I love seeing how you personalize these meals.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to tag @hallarecipes when you post your delicious plate!