Description
A hearty and comforting One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combining savory ground beef, beans, and smoky spices with tender elbow macaroni and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish perfectly blends chili flavors and creamy mac and cheese for a satisfying meal all cooked in a single pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the beef and develop the rich chili flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients into a flavorful base.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat once pasta is tender. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and well combined, creating a creamy texture throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a pop of color and herbaceous note before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make it more versatile.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.