One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food without the mess, this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is your go-to.

It combines the bold spices of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese — all in a single pot! This recipe is not only satisfying but also quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

With simple pantry staples and minimal cleanup, this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is a winner for families, college students, or anyone who loves hearty meals with bold flavor.

Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding kids, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that delivers every time.

Plus, it’s customizable to your spice level, protein choice, and cheese blend. Let’s get started with your new favorite dinner!

When I First Introduced to

I first tried a One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe during college. A roommate whipped it up after class — spicy, cheesy, and so filling!

That night, I realized this was the ultimate comfort dish. Since then, I’ve made it countless ways, always returning to this one-pot method.

Equipment List

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • Grater

Ingredients List

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained)
  • 1½ cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.
  2. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground beef and brown fully.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and mix well.
  6. Add tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth.
  7. Stir in macaroni and bring to boil.
  8. Reduce heat and cover the pot.
  9. Simmer for 12-14 minutes, stir occasionally.
  10. Remove lid once pasta is tender.
  11. Stir in cheese and mix until melted.
  12. Serve hot, garnish with green onions.

Recipe Tips

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
  2. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
  3. Add a jalapeño for extra heat.
  4. Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  5. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

What Can You Serve With It?

1. Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up chili cheese sauce.

2. Cornbread Muffins
Sweet and soft, a great contrast to spice.

3. Side Salad
Add freshness and crunch to balance the meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables
Carrots or zucchini work well as a side.

5. Pickled Jalapeños
Add zingy heat and enhance bold flavors.

6. Coleslaw
Cool, creamy crunch balances the dish beautifully.

7. Tortilla Chips
Scoop up the mac like a chili dip.

8. Sautéed Greens
Spinach or kale adds nutrition and color.

9. Avocado Slices
Creamy and cooling against the spicy pasta.

10. Fried Plantains
Sweetness cuts through the richness delightfully.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate in easy comfort food. With minimal prep, bold flavor, and cheesy goodness, it’s a winning dinner every time.

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays — this dish truly does it all. Try it once, and it’ll be on repeat at your house. One pot, one meal, and lots of happy faces!

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recipes Walay
If you're craving comfort food without the mess, this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is your go-to.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner Recipes, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1 can kidney beans drained
  • cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot.
  • Add onions and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add ground beef and brown fully.
  • Stir in tomato paste and mix well.
  • Add tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth.
  • Stir in macaroni and bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat and cover the pot.
  • Simmer for 12-14 minutes, stir occasionally.
  • Remove lid once pasta is tender.
  • Stir in cheese and mix until melted.
  • Serve hot, garnish with green onions.

Notes

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
  2. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
  3. Add a jalapeño for extra heat.
  4. Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  5. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Keyword One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe