There’s something magical about a big pot of One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with the promise of creamy cheese and zesty chili, all mingling together in perfect harmony. Mexican-inspired breakfast As you take that first bite, the warm, hearty flavors envelop you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Picture this: a rainy day, friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into their bowls of cheesy goodness. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is perfect for those moments when you need comfort food that feels like a warm hug. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom chicken lasagna recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese offers incredible flavor with minimal clean-up
- You can easily adapt it based on what you have in your pantry
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing for any occasion
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner or a game-day treat
I remember the first time I made this for my friends; their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bites, and I knew I had struck culinary gold.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Elbow Macaroni: A classic choice that holds sauce well; feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean options work best to keep the dish hearty yet not overly greasy. easy meatball side dish.
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Chili Powder: Use your favorite blend for heat; more spice means more flavor!
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add sweetness and acidity that balance the richness of cheese.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
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Onion and Garlic: Sautéing these aromatic staples enhances the depth of flavor in your chili mac. delicious garlic sauce.
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Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps cook the pasta perfectly without getting too dry.
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Bell Peppers: Colorful additions that bring crunch and sweetness; feel free to mix colors for fun!
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Black Beans (optional): Packed with protein, they make this dish even heartier.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and onions are translucent.
Add the Meat: Toss in ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. ground beef variations Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat if necessary.
Incorporate Veggies & Seasonings: Stir in diced bell peppers, chili powder, and canned tomatoes. Let everything mingle on low heat for about 3 minutes to enhance flavors.
Add Pasta & Broth: Pour in elbow macaroni along with chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients; bring to a boil before reducing heat to simmer gently.
Melt in the Goodness: After 10-12 minutes of simmering, check pasta tenderness. Once al dente, remove from heat; fold in shredded cheddar until melted completely.
Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle generous portions into bowls while it’s hot! Top with additional cheese or cilantro if desired—then dig in!
Now that you’ve got this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese down pat, imagine serving it at your next gathering or simply indulging on a quiet night at home. This dish is bound to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines comfort food with simplicity
- This dish is perfect for busy nights, packing a punch with flavor while saving you from washing countless pots
- The melty cheese and spices create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground meat, then add pasta, broth, and spices to simmer all together. This method ensures each ingredient absorbs flavor while cutting cooking time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cheese for your favorites or toss in black beans for extra protein. Add jalapeños if you’re in the mood for some heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Creating this dish brings back fond memories of rainy evenings spent with friends, gathering around a pot of bubbling chili mac—everyone diving in with their forks and laughter echoing around the kitchen.
FAQ
What can I use instead of ground beef?
For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe recipe.
Ground turkey or plant-based meat are great alternatives for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add more vegetables or beans instead.
How do I prevent my pasta from becoming mushy?
Make sure to follow cooking times closely and stir occasionally while simmering.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese and zesty chili in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this dish envelops you in warm flavors that will delight your taste buds. With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at any table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until translucent.
- Add ground meat; cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in bell peppers, chili powder, and diced tomatoes; simmer on low for 3 minutes.
- Add elbow macaroni and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat; fold in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Serve hot, topped with additional cheese or cilantro as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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