One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese (30 Minutes)
Introduction
Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that packs bold flavor and comfort into a single skillet? This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese delivers perfectly seasoned chili and creamy macaroni in just 30 minutes, all with minimal cleanup. The convenient one-pot method means you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, soul-warming meal.
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Chili Mac and Cheese
The fusion of savory ground beef, classic chili spices, and gooey cheddar cheese gives this dish irresistible flavor—without ever having to choose between chili and mac & cheese. At the same time, the quick assembly in just one pot keeps dinnertime effortless and stress-free, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, and satisfying the pickiest eaters.
Efficient Prep for a Flavorful Skillet Meal
Cut your prep time in half by using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onions, peppers, and garlic for the chili base. This tool ensures even, professional cuts and streamlines your chopping, so you get consistent flavor throughout every bite.
When it comes to browning your meat and assembling the chili, reach for a wide, oven-safe skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Its nonstick surface allows for easy stirring and serving, and it’s just the right size for accommodating all your ingredients.
Building Big Flavor in One Pot
Start by browning your beef and fragrant vegetables, then layer in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth directly into the pan—no need for extra pots or pans.
Quick-cook elbow macaroni absorbs these bold flavors as it simmers, so each noodle is infused with chili goodness. Towards the end, a generous addition of sharp cheddar melts into the pot, forming a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every bite.
Serving and Storing for Maximum Enjoyment
For potlucks or packed lunches, spoon leftovers into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for a leakproof, portable solution. Store remaining portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep everything fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.
If you like your chili mac a little fancy, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips before serving. Pair with your favorite beverage or icy water from a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler to balance the spice!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This one-pot recipe makes roughly six hearty servings, with each portion containing about 420–480 calories depending on your choice of beef and cheese. It’s filling enough for a main dish but also works great as a party side.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese (30 Minutes) Recap
This is simply the ultimate comfort meal—packed with robust chili flavor, tender pasta, and melty cheese, all ready in just half an hour with one-pot cleanup. Whether you’re making it for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing gatherings, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper, breaking up the meat with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and veggies are soft, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked macaroni and stir well. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar, stirring until completely melted and combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
