One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food favorites—chili and mac and cheese—into one easy, flavorful, and hearty meal. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both filling and delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 ounces ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• ¾ cup canned white kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• ¾ cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons cumin

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 10 ounces elbow macaroni

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cook until browned (3-5 minutes), breaking up the beef; drain excess fat.

2. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, both types of beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Add elbow macaroni and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-15 minutes.

5. Remove from heat, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and cover until cheese melts (about 2 minutes).

6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~550-600 kcal

• Protein: ~35-40 g

• Carbohydrates: ~55-60 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~10-12 g

• Fat: ~15-20 g

• Saturated Fat: ~6-8 g

• Cholesterol: ~70-90 mg

• Sodium: ~900-1100 mg

This estimate is based on typical amounts in ground beef, beans, pasta, and cheese.

The Allure of Combining Chili and Mac and Cheese

There’s something inherently satisfying about chili—its deep layers of savory meat, beans, spices, and tomatoes offer comfort and warmth in every bite. Mac and cheese, on the other hand, delivers creamy decadence and familiar cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages. When you bring these two dishes together, you get the best of both worlds: a dish that is rich and flavorful, yet also creamy, cheesy, and textured.

Chili Mac and Cheese takes advantage of chili’s bold spices to flavor the entire dish, turning simple pasta into a vibrant, mouthwatering meal. The cheese melds with the chili sauce, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. This combination satisfies cravings for spicy, savory food while offering the indulgence and comfort of cheesy pasta.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Ground Beef: A lean yet flavorful protein source, ground beef forms the hearty base of the chili. It adds richness and depth, making the dish substantial enough to serve as a complete meal.

• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Sautéing them with the beef releases sweetness and pungency that enhance the overall dish’s complexity.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that cooks the pasta and melds the flavors together without overpowering the chili spices.

• Diced Tomatoes: They add a natural acidity and freshness to the chili, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.

• White and Red Kidney Beans: These beans introduce a creamy texture and additional protein and fiber, making the dish more filling and nutritious.

• Chili Powder and Cumin: These classic spices impart the warm, smoky notes essential to a good chili, ensuring the flavor shines through the pasta and cheese.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, its small tubes hold the chili-infused sauce wonderfully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly into the hot chili mac, lending creaminess, sharpness, and a slightly nutty finish that enhances every mouthful.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color to balance the rich, hearty flavors.

Step-by-Step Preparation and Cooking Process

1. Sauté the Meat and Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Be sure to break up the beef into small pieces for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Then add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toasting the spices in the fat releases their oils and intensifies their flavors.

3. Incorporate Liquids and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the drained and rinsed white and kidney beans. This creates a rich, flavorful chili base that will cook with the pasta.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender, usually 13 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for about 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a creamy blanket over the chili mac.

6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot.

Flavor and Texture Dynamics

This one-pot chili mac and cheese delivers complex flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. The beef and beans provide hearty chewiness and substance, while the chili spices lend warmth and depth, awakening the palate with their smoky, slightly spicy notes.

The pasta absorbs the rich tomato broth and seasoning, creating a unified dish where every forkful is flavorful and comforting. The melted cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a luscious mouthfeel, coating the pasta and meat evenly.

Fresh parsley adds a subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness, refreshing the palate. The combination of tender pasta, meaty chili, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs ensures a well-balanced and delightful eating experience.

Nutritional Value and Health Considerations

Each serving of this chili mac and cheese contains approximately 550 to 600 calories, making it a substantial meal suitable for dinner or lunch. It provides a generous 35 to 40 grams of protein, primarily from the beef and beans, which supports muscle repair and promotes satiety.

The carbohydrate content, about 55 to 60 grams per serving, primarily comes from the pasta and beans, providing long-lasting energy. The fiber content of 10 to 12 grams aids digestion and helps maintain blood sugar stability.

The fat content ranges from 15 to 20 grams, including 6 to 8 grams of saturated fat, coming mostly from the beef and cheddar cheese. Sodium content is moderately high due to canned ingredients and broth but can be moderated by using low-sodium versions.

Customization and Variations

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for different flavors and dietary needs.

• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder or add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or use mild chili powder for a gentler flavor.

• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for smokiness, or mozzarella for a mild creamy melt.

• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños to boost flavor and nutrition.

• Toppings: Top with sour cream, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions for added freshness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this chili mac and cheese with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or cornbread complements the dish beautifully and adds an extra layer of comfort.

For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with steamed vegetables or a crunchy coleslaw.

Conclusion

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese masterfully combines two beloved comfort foods into a single, convenient, and delicious meal. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

With its hearty meat, tender beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy cheese, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The ease of one-pot cooking saves time and effort without compromising taste or nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this chili mac and cheese recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite that satisfies cravings and brings warmth to your table.