Name: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 ounces ground beef; 1 onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 3/4 cup canned white kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 3/4 cup canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 10 ounces elbow macaroni; 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Description

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food fusion, bringing together the rich flavors of chili and the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a delightful balance of savory spices, tender pasta, and gooey cheese—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Customize it with your favorite beans or veggies for added nutrition, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces ground beef
1 onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup canned white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
3/4 cup canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
10 ounces elbow macaroni
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, white kidney beans, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked through—approximately 13–15 minutes.
Remove from heat; top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover until melted—about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (245g)
Calories: 375
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack for added flavor.