Description
One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a rich and hearty comfort food that combines bold chili spices with creamy cheddar cheese and tender elbow pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. This quick and delicious meal offers a perfect balance of savory ground beef, smoky seasonings, and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp crushed chipotle pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 cups puréed tomatoes
Other Ingredients
- 9 ounces elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley – optional
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Grate the cheddar cheese, dice the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves to have everything ready before cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground cumin, and crushed chipotle pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and aromatics evenly with the spices.
- Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the beef broth, puréed tomatoes, and whole milk. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the elbow pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty chili mac and cheese!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and sticking.
- Stir frequently while the pasta cooks to keep it from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed chipotle pepper or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- Leftover chili mac can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
