There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese to brighten up your day. Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness swirling around with spicy chili notes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water and hearts race—yes, even the family dog might start drooling!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese vegetarian?
- What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
- How can I freeze One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just about comfort; it’s a hug in a bowl! Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy evening or hosting friends for game night, One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese is the perfect companion. Trust me; it’s impossible to resist diving into this melty masterpiece. So grab your spoon and get ready for an adventure that will leave you craving seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The bold flavors create a comforting dish that looks gorgeous in any bowl
- It’s versatile enough for picky eaters and can be customized with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for gatherings, this mac and cheese is sure to impress!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; they were so impressed they almost started a fan club. The laughter and cheers echoed through my kitchen as we savored the last cheesy bites together!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Elbow Macaroni: A classic shape that holds sauce perfectly; feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free options.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for healthy indulgence; it adds protein and hearty texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted varieties for an extra smoky flavor that elevates your chili.
Chili Powder: This spice brings warmth and depth; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for robust flavor; shredded cheese melts beautifully into the mac.
Onion: Adds sweetness when sautéed; choose yellow or white onions for this recipe.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the aroma and flavor profile of the dish.
Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and infuses savory goodness throughout the meal.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful peppers for visual appeal and a hint of sweetness in each bite.
Sour Cream (optional): Add a dollop before serving for creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat, adding olive oil along with diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Stir until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Add the Meat: Toss in the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned. Look for no pink spots—this ensures all those savory juices are sealed in!
Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder and mix well with meat and onions. This step introduces bold flavors that will linger on your taste buds later.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Once aromatic, add diced tomatoes along with chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom while stirring everything together.
Add Pasta: Pour in elbow macaroni next, ensuring every piece is submerged in liquid. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer—trust me, magic happens here!
Melt Away: Once pasta is cooked al dente (about 8-10 minutes), stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted smoothly throughout. This cheesy goodness creates an irresistible dish that you won’t be able to resist!
Get ready for compliments galore because this One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese is sure to steal the show! Enjoy each creamy bite filled with spice—and don’t forget to share (or not).
You Must Know
- One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese is a hearty meal that combines comfort and convenience
- The creamy texture and zesty flavors will impress everyone at the table
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up on busy weeknights, making it a family favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground meat, then add onions and garlic. Once fragrant, stir in the pasta and broth for optimal flavor fusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or add veggies like bell peppers. Spice it up with jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente before adding cheese
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor
- Don’t skip the spices; they enhance every bite of this delicious dish!
One memorable night, I made One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese for my friends during a movie marathon. Their delighted faces made me realize how food brings people together!
FAQ
Can I make One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based crumbles or beans instead of meat for a delicious vegetarian option.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but feel free to mix mozzarella or pepper jack for more flavors.
How can I freeze One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese?
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can freeze well for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. This delightful dish combines al dente elbow macaroni with savory ground meat, zesty chili spices, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s an easy one-pot meal that brings everyone together for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground meat, cooking until browned with no pink spots remaining.
- Stir in chili powder to coat the meat evenly.
- Mix in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom.
- Add elbow macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer until pasta is al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
