Description
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty and comforting meal that combines flavorful chili spices with creamy melted cheese and tender pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and tomato sauce. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Mix in Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy, fully integrating into the chili mac mixture.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chili mac rest for 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño while cooking.
- Ground turkey can substitute for ground beef as a leaner option.
- Pepper jack cheese works well for a spicier cheese variation.
