Chili Mac is a one-pot meal that mixes two comfort food favorites: chili and mac and cheese!
One Pot Chili Mac Recipe
Chili mac is a one-pot dish that combines the best of chili with mac and cheese—so you know it’s going to be delicious!
Made with ground beef, spices, tomatoes, beans, and pasta, all topped with plenty of cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and super easy to make—perfect for a quick, family-friendly weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- Oil: Used to cook the onion for a tasty Chili Mac base!
- Yellow onion: Finely dice for quicker cooking.
- Ground beef: Lean beef means less grease.
- Garlic: Pre-minced or frozen garlic cubes save time.
- Tomato paste: Adds a rich, deep flavor.
- Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder: The main spices for flavor and heat.
- Crushed tomatoes: Higher quality means better flavor.
- Chicken broth: Stock works too for a richer flavor.
- Elbow pasta: This pasta cooks quickly and holds the sauce well.
- Chili beans: Pinto beans in chili sauce add extra flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Extra-sharp gives a bold, strong flavor! Freshly shred for the best possible melt.
How To Make Chili Mac
- Cook Onion and Beef: Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook then press to edges of pan. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the base.
- Add Cheese: Take off the heat, stir in half the cheese, then add the rest on top. Cover to melt.
- Serve: Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
What To Serve With Chili Mac
- Simple garden salad: A light, fresh side to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread: Toasty, buttery slices for dipping into the sauce.
- Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips to add texture or scoop up bites.
Storage
Chili Mac is best enjoyed fresh. The pasta absorbs more liquid as it sits and can get a bit mushy.
More Easy One-Pot Recipes:
- Chicken Orzo with sun-dried tomatoes
- One Pot Spaghetti with an easy meat sauce
- Curry Chicken and Rice with veggies
- Taco Spaghetti made with enchilada sauce
- One Pot Burrito Bowls with black beans
Chili Mac
Chili mac blends two classic comfort dishes—chili and mac and cheese—into one tasty, easy-to-make meal!
Equipment
- Large pot 6-quart
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 onion
- 1 pound ground beef 93/7
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes see note 1
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1 can (16-ounces) chili beans
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings see note 2
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick pot over high heat. Add the olive oil and onion, sautéing for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Push the onion to the edges of the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the center of the pan. Let it sear for 1 minute, then use a wooden spoon to break it up and crumble. Cook until mostly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta, and chili beans. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. The mixture will still be slightly saucy but will thicken (see note 3).
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Remove the lid and add your favorite optional toppings. Serve immediately!
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Higher-quality tomatoes will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Note 2: Freshly chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado make great additions.
Note 3: Remove the pot from heat once the pasta is al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid off the heat, so it’s better to slightly undercook it. Overcooked pasta can’t be fixed!
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.1g | Protein: 37.4g | Fat: 23.6g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1477.4mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 9.6g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
