This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy dish packed with cheesy goodness! With pasta, ground beef or turkey, and zesty chili flavors, it’s sure to warm your belly.
What I love is that you don’t have to fuss over multiple pots. Just one pot means quick clean-up too—perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy, hearty meal? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually go with ground turkey for a leaner option. It’s just as tasty! If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a hearty texture.
Diced Tomatoes: I love the flavor of tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) to kick things up. If you prefer less heat, use regular diced tomatoes instead; you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes later if needed.
Kidney Beans: If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, black beans or pinto beans are great substitutes too. They all add a nice protein boost!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack blend perfectly here. If you want a stronger flavor, swap out the Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack cheese for a bit of spice!
How Can I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pasta just right is crucial for this dish. An important step is to keep an eye on the heat and timing.
- After adding the pasta, bring the mixture to a boil. You want a gentle boil, not a rolling one, which can make the pasta cook unevenly.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. This allows the pasta to cook evenly while absorbing the flavors.
- Stir occasionally. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Keep an eye on the time—around 12-15 minutes is usually perfect. Test the pasta’s doneness a minute or two before the time is up!
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious option for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until it’s browned, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it becomes soft, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
3. Adding the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, beef broth, and water. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together well!
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Now, toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a steady boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should cook through and most of the liquid absorbed.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Once the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover it again and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt beautifully.
6. Serving It Up:
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. You’ll have a delicious, creamy, and hearty meal ready for everyone to enjoy!
Dig into your delightful One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese! 🧀🍽️
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean alternative. Just cook it the same way as the beef or turkey until it’s browned and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Elbow Macaroni?
No problem! You can use any small pasta shape you have on hand, like shells or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different pastas may require slight adjustments.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with plant-based meat crumbles or omit it altogether. You can also add more beans or vegetables for extra heartiness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.