Description

Looking for a quick dinner idea that brings bold flavor, hearty comfort, and minimal cleanup? This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is your go-to recipe. It combines the best of two comfort food favorites—chili and mac & cheese—into a fast, family-friendly meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday cooking, it’s a satisfying easy dinner recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef and tender pasta. If you’re craving easy food ideas, this one’s a keeper.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

15 oz canned diced tomatoes, with juices

15 oz canned 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

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

sour cream and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

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

2. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1 minute.

3. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

4. Add elbow macaroni and drained beans to the pot. Stir until pasta is fully submerged.

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

6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.

7. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño with the spices.

Stir the cheese off heat for a smoother, creamier texture.

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor—avoid pre-shredded blends.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg