Description
Craving something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make? This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with tender elbow pasta, spiced ground beef, kidney beans, and rich tomato flavor, all wrapped in melty cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or anytime you need quick dinner ideas that satisfy everyone at the table. A total win for those looking for easy recipes, food ideas that feel indulgent, or dinner ideas the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and chopped herbs if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra melty goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg