One Pot Chili Mac is a delightful dish that combines comfort food with ease of preparation. This recipe offers a deliciously cheesy and hearty meal perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy gatherings. With just one pot to clean, it’s not only tasty but also time-saving, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors ensures that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time with family and friends, making it a go-to for busy evenings.
- Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy young palates.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and flavor, this chili mac will keep everyone satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These essential kitchen gadgets will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Why These Tools Matter
- Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients together without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Chili Mac recipe is a family favorite! Its super easy to make and even the pickiest of eaters will be going back for seconds!
For the Chili Base
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 1/2 cups Beef Broth
- 8 ounces Elbow Pasta
- 1 packet Chili Seasoning
- 15 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes (drained)
- 15 ounces Chili Beans (Chili Starter)
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
For the Cheese Topping
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onions until browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain any extra grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, beef broth, and elbow pasta into the skillet. Stir everything well. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Allow the mixture to cook for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Turn off the heat once cooking is complete. Mix in shredded cheese until melted. Serve warm and enjoy your One Pot Chili Mac!
How to Serve One Pot Chili Mac
Serving One Pot Chili Mac is a delightful experience that brings comfort to the dining table. This dish is not only filling but also versatile, allowing for various serving options to suit different tastes.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spicy flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions lend a crunchy texture and a burst of color.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the chili mac while adding healthy fats.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro enhances freshness and adds an herbal note.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully, soaking up the chili flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a perfect side for scooping up the chili mac.
- Salad: A light mixed greens salad adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the rich dish.
Presentation
- In Bowls: Serve in deep bowls for a cozy presentation, perfect for family gatherings.
- On Plates: For a more formal setting, plate the chili mac and garnish with cheese and herbs.
How to Perfect One Pot Chili Mac
To make your One Pot Chili Mac even better, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef will elevate your dish significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook; you can always add more seasoning or spice based on your preference.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Prevent mushy pasta by cooking it just until al dente, ensuring a pleasant bite.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chili Mac
Pairing side dishes with One Pot Chili Mac can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili mac.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition alongside your main dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes work well as a filling side, perfect for mopping up sauce.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and balances the spiciness of the chili mac.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrients while complementing the rich flavors of the dish.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be cut into triangles and served as fun finger food alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Chili Mac can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not browning the meat properly: Ensure that the ground beef is browned well before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor of your dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add the chili seasoning as it’s essential for achieving that classic chili flavor. Taste and adjust if necessary.
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of your chili mac.
- Ignoring the cheese melting process: Stir in the cheese off heat to prevent it from becoming rubbery. This will ensure a creamy consistency in your dish.
- Using too much liquid: Be mindful of how much broth you add. Too much liquid can make your chili mac soupy instead of creamy.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing One Pot Chili Mac
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy identification later.
Reheating One Pot Chili Mac
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water, stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One Pot Chili Mac?
One Pot Chili Mac is a comforting dish combining ground beef, elbow pasta, beans, tomatoes, and cheese all cooked in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup.
Can I customize my One Pot Chili Mac?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, use different cheeses, or swap out ground beef for chicken or turkey.
How long does it take to make One Pot Chili Mac?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Is One Pot Chili Mac suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Conclusion
One Pot Chili Mac is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a family favorite that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Try adding your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese for a unique twist!
One Pot Chili Mac
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pot Chili Mac is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together ground beef, cheesy goodness, and comforting elbow pasta—all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game nights, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s a meal everyone will ask for again. Top it with fresh ingredients like sour cream and green onions or serve with warm cornbread to elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 1/2 cups Beef Broth
- 8 ounces Elbow Pasta
- 1 packet Chili Seasoning
- 15 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes (drained)
- 15 ounces Chili Beans (Chili Starter)
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, beef broth, and elbow pasta to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10–15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
