Description
One Pot Chili Mac is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With just one pot to clean, it’s not only delicious but also convenient. Customize it with your favorite toppings or spice levels to make it truly your own. Plus, the leftovers are just as delightful, making this dish an excellent choice for meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth, plus ½ cup more to thin if needed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 8 oz dry elbow macaroni (2 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup half and half (or ⅓ cup heavy cream)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving if desired
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Clear a space in the pot and add ground beef; sear for 3 minutes before mixing with veggies.
- Stir in minced garlic and spices; cook until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth; mix in elbow macaroni and kidney beans.
- Simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in half-and-half and shredded cheese until creamy.
- Serve with assorted toppings like sliced green onions or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg