Description
This hearty One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines the flavors of a classic chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni in one easy dish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, uncooked macaroni, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For added heat, include a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian (along with a meatless substitute).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
