One Pot Chili Mac Cheese

When I made this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, the smell of chili spices and melted cheese filled the kitchen.
The pasta soaked up all that rich, meaty flavor, turning creamy and cozy in one pot.
I remember everyone grabbing bowls before I even said dinner was ready.

This dish is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for cold nights or lazy weekends.
It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Let’s cook it together—you’ll love how easy and comforting it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the combination of pasta, cheese, and mild chili flavors.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste preferences.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish. It makes a generous pot that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Difficulty: Easy. This is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic cooking skills like browning meat and stirring pasta.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Ingredients for One Pot Chili Mac Cheese

This hearty dish comes together with everyday ingredients that pack big flavor. The combination of spices, tomatoes, and cheese creates a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and prevents sticking.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
• Ground Beef: The protein base that makes this meal hearty and filling.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the rich, tomatoey sauce that coats the pasta.
• Red Kidney Beans: Adds fiber, texture, and classic chili flavor.
• Beef Broth: Cooks the pasta and adds savory depth.
• Elbow Macaroni Pasta: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly.
• Cheese: Melts into the dish for creamy, gooey goodness.
• Spices: A blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt creates authentic chili flavor.
• Fresh Coriander or Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish.

Variations for One Pot Chili Mac Cheese

• Make It Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or diced carrots for extra nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Different Pasta: Try rotini, shells, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
• Cheese Varieties: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
• Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

How to Make One Pot Chili Mac Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the red bell pepper. Drain and rinse the kidney beans. Measure out your spices so everything is ready to go.

2. Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add the garlic, onion, and red bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

4. Add Spices

Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for one minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.

5. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir again to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

6. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

7. Add Cheese

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the cheese until it melts completely and creates a creamy sauce throughout the dish.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh coriander or cilantro on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pot Chili Mac Cheese:

This complete meal needs little else, but here are some great serving ideas:

• With Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread or corn muffins for a classic combo.
• Top with Extras: Add sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese.
• With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad or coleslaw.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with chips on the side for scooping.
• In Bowls: Serve in individual bowls topped with your favorite chili toppings.

Decoration Tips:

• Sprinkle extra cheese on top and let it melt.
• Add a dollop of sour cream in the center.
• Arrange fresh cilantro leaves artfully on top.
• Serve in colorful bowls for a vibrant presentation.

Storing One Pot Chili Mac Cheese

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezer Storage: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth or water if needed. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta at 12 minutes. It should be tender but not mushy.
• Stir Regularly: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the mixture looks too dry during cooking, add a bit more broth.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens slightly.
• Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Customize the Spice: Start with less cayenne pepper if cooking for kids, then let adults add hot sauce at the table.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Add cilantro at the very end to keep it bright and fresh-tasting.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 8 servings.

Conclusion

One Pot Chili Mac Cheese brings together the best of both worlds in a single, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates pure comfort food magic. Plus, with only one pot to clean, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and less time at the sink.

I’ve used these ingredients to cook the recipe: olive oil, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, ground beef, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef broth, elbow macaroni pasta, cheese, coriander or cilantro, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder or garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.