One Pot Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion
diced
- ½ pound ground beef
or Impossible plant-based ground
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder*
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 8 oz elbow noodles
- 1 can kidney beans
14.5oz
- 1 ½ cup broth
beef or vegetable
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- To serve: minced red onion
jalapeno, scallions
Directions
- 1
In a Dutch oven or other large pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, 3-5 minutes.
- 2
Add the ground beef, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Using your spoon or spatula, break apart the meat and stir to coat with the tomato paste and spices. Once browned, add the garlic and saute for 30-60 seconds.
- 3
Add the noodles, kidney beans, and broth and stir. Cover with the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes (unless the noodle packaging denotes a different cooking time).
- 4
Remove the lid and stir in the cheese. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
One Pot Chili Mac
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor? This One Pot Chili Mac recipe is your answer, blending the best of smoky, spicy chili with the rich, creamy texture of classic mac and cheese—all in a single pot. It’s an all-American classic reimagined for ultimate convenience.
Why This One Pot Chili Mac Works
This recipe shines by combining two beloved comfort foods into one streamlined dish, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing any of the deep, satisfying flavors. The magic of a single pot means every ingredient, from the aromatic vegetables to the savory ground beef and tender elbow noodles, cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll achieve that perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and robust chili spice with ease.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dish that is wonderfully savory, with a comforting warmth from the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The texture is a delightful combination of tender elbow noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, punctuated by the hearty ground beef and kidney beans. It’s a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that feels both indulgent and incredibly approachable, perfect for a cozy evening or a family dinner.
Customization & Variations
This versatile One Pot Chili Mac is easy to adapt to your preferences. For a delicious plant-based option, simply swap the ground beef for Impossible plant-based ground. You can also experiment with different broths, using either beef or vegetable broth to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to adjust the chili powder to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
Serving & Context
Serve this cozy One Pot Chili Mac hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like minced red onion, fresh sliced jalapeno, or vibrant scallions. It’s an ideal dish for a casual weeknight dinner, a camping trip, or whenever you need a comforting, hearty meal that feeds a crowd.