This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Is the Ultimate Cozy Dinner Combo
Hey friend! If you love the bold, meaty flavor of chili and the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, then this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made in a single pot—which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Whether you’re feeding the family or just looking for an easy weeknight win, this recipe delivers on all fronts!
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish combines two comfort food classics in the best way possible. You get savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich spices, and melty cheese—all simmered together into one big, flavorful hug of a meal. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. I make it extra cheesy and always top mine with a sprinkle of green onions or a dollop of sour cream for that chili feel.
Make It Your Way
- Use ground turkey or chicken: Lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
- Add beans or veggies: Black beans, corn, or bell peppers work great!
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce to turn up the heat.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Tips for Chili Mac Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and gives a smoother texture.
- Stir often while simmering: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Make ahead: It reheats wonderfully—just add a splash of broth or water before reheating to loosen it up.
Let’s Make Comfort Food Simple and Delicious
Did this chili mac and cheese hit the cozy dinner mark for you? I’d love to hear how yours turned out—tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether it’s a cold night or just a comfort food kind of day, this one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy!
