This One Pot Chili Mac is the cozy weeknight hero you make when you want something hearty, cheesy, and simple. It’s a one-pot meal with chili-style flavor, tender pasta, and a thick sauce that clings to every bite. It’s basically comfort food that cooks itself.
Introduction
If your family loves chili and mac and cheese, One Pot Chili Mac is going to be a fan-favorite. It’s faster than making chili and pasta separately, and it tastes better than takeout because you can season it exactly how you like.
The standout trick is cooking the pasta right in the chili sauce. That way the noodles soak up all the flavor and the sauce turns extra rich and creamy. Trust me, don’t skip the final cheese melt—this is the “everyone asks for the recipe” moment.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chili Mac
- One-pot cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot (yes, even the pasta).
- Ultimate comfort food: Cheesy, hearty, and cozy for weeknights.
- Better than boxed: Real seasonings and a rich sauce taste homemade.
- Family-friendly: Mild heat, big flavor, and lots of cheesy goodness.
- Meal prep friendly: Leftovers reheat great with a splash of broth.
Ingredients for One Pot Chili Mac
Base
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor and makes the meal filling.
- Swap: Ground turkey.
- Onion, chopped (1 small): Builds a savory base.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds big flavor fast.
Chili Flavor
- Chili powder (1 1/2 tbsp): Main chili-style seasoning.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Warm, cozy flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds depth.
- Swap: Regular paprika.
- Salt (1 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Brings everything into balance.
Pantry Staples
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Adds texture and tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Makes the sauce rich and thick.
- Beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Adds protein and hearty bite.
- Swap: Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- Low-sodium beef broth (3 cups): Cooks the pasta and builds sauce.
- Swap: Low-sodium chicken broth.
Pasta & Cheese
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups): Classic chili mac noodle.
- Swap: Small shells or rotini.
- Shredded cheddar (2 cups): Melty, cheesy finish.
- Tip: Freshly shredded melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Optional: Green onions (2), sliced: Fresh topper.
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac
- 1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- 4. Add macaroni and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. If it looks too thick, add a splash more broth.
- 5. Lower heat to low and stir in cheddar until melted and creamy. If you want extra melty top cheese, sprinkle more cheddar and cover for 2 minutes.
- 6. Serve hot with green onions (and a few crushed chips on top if you’re feeling fun).
Tips for Perfect One Pot Chili Mac
- Stir often: Pasta can stick to the bottom as it simmers.
- Use a gentle simmer: Too hard of a boil can make pasta mushy.
- Add broth as needed: If the sauce tightens up, a splash brings it back to silky.
- Melt cheese on low: Keeps it smooth and creamy.
- Season at the end: Taste after cheese melts and adjust salt if needed.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese for extra creamy sauce.
- Veggie boost: Add diced bell peppers with the onion.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free elbow pasta and watch simmer time.
- Leftover idea: Scoop into bowls and top with sour cream and crushed chips.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover One Pot Chili Mac in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding extra broth as needed.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
- Pair with cornbread or garlic bread for extra cozy vibes.
- Great for game day or busy weeknights.
- Perfect for meal prep lunches (just add a splash of broth when reheating).
Reader Review: “This one pot chili mac is the easiest comfort dinner ever. My kids cleaned their bowls and asked for it again!”
If you make this One Pot Chili Mac, leave a rating and comment! Are you keeping it mild, or adding a little heat?
Print
One Pot Chili Mac (Best Ever, Easy, Cheesy)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 35 minutes 1x
Description
One pot chili mac is cheesy, hearty, and family-friendly—pasta and chili cooked together for an easy dinner with minimal dishes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar
Instructions
In a large pot over medium-high, heat oil and brown meat 6 to 8 minutes.
Add onion and cook 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in macaroni. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
Turn off heat and stir in cheddar until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
Thicker or thinner: Add extra broth to loosen, or simmer 2 minutes longer to thicken.
Make-ahead: Reheats well with a splash of broth.
Tools: Large pot, wooden spoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 6 servings
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American