I still remember the first time I made One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. It was one of those evenings—school was a whirlwind, the kids were starving, and I barely had time to think. I needed something warm, comforting, and fast. I found a simple chili mac recipe online, and honestly, I was skeptical. But when my family took their first bites, the reactions were priceless. My youngest exclaimed, “Mom, this is my new favorite!” And my husband nodded with that satisfied “this hits the spot” look. That moment made me realize how this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese was going to be a new go-to comfort meal for us.
The beauty is in its simplicity. This dish lets you combine the hearty, cozy goodness of ground beef chili with creamy macaroni and cheese all in one pot. No multiple dishes means less mess—a total win for busy moms juggling the beautiful chaos of life. Plus, it’s quick and comforting, exactly what tired families need on a hectic night.
I’ve since perfected this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese through trial and error, learning how the blend of spices and cheeses changes the game. What surprised me most was how well my picky eater took to it—so many flavors balanced perfectly without being overwhelming. If you’re a fellow busy mom looking to keep your family happy and well-fed without the fuss, this recipe is your new best friend.
This comforting One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese reminds me of other family favorites like the chilis chicken enchilada soup recipe I shared before and even our creamy mac and cheese soup. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out those recipes too—they all bring that same cozy chaos relief we crave.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning that ground beef chili base
- 1 pound lean ground beef – the heart of the chili mac recipe; swaps like ground turkey work too if you want a lighter version
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds sweet depth and comfort aroma
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic = magic in any One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes – gives that saucy warmth, but tomato sauce is a fine swap if you prefer smoother texture
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed – adds hearty protein and fiber; feel free to skip if your crew isn’t into beans
- 2 cups beef broth – builds the chili mac’s cozy liquid layer, plus it helps cook the pasta perfectly
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (elbow or small shells) – the creamy macaroni and cheese part! Gluten-free versions work fantastically here too
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – the mild punch of flavor that dresses up the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – a little warmth that deepens those chili vibes
- Salt and pepper to taste – never skip seasoning for that extra comforting bite
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – classic and creamy macaroni and cheese magic; sometimes I add pepper jack for a little kick
- 1/2 cup sour cream – optional but it gives this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese an incredible richness that my family swears by
No worries if you forget something—this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is flexible and forgiving. I usually grab all these ingredients right at my local grocery store. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t mean expensive, especially in this budget-friendly, easy one pot meal that makes every penny go toward comfort.
If you’re pressed for time, diced onions and pre-minced garlic from the store save precious minutes. Plus, frozen pre-shredded cheese means no extra shredding stress. My family gets extra comfort when I add a little extra cheese on top before serving—it’s their favorite cozy comfort hack.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onions; cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Your kitchen will start smelling like dinner success already!
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast those spices. This is the spot I learned to slow down, really stirring to bring out the deep grounding flavors of my One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together, giving the base its classic ground beef chili heart.
- Pour in the macaroni pasta next, making sure it gets covered by the broth—this makes for perfectly cooked noodles soaking up all that chili goodness.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese should start thickening and smelling amazing by now. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or get the kids’ homework checked.
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until it’s creamy and dreamy. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; it will loosen up when served.
- Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Family-tested shortcut: I sometimes mix a little extra cheese in bowls when serving for that rich, cozy finish.
My busy kitchen usually spends about 30 minutes from start to finish making this soothing One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Here’s where I used to struggle: not stirring enough during simmer time, which made noodles stick. But once I learned to stir gently but regularly, every batch came out creamy comfort in a bowl.
While your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese simmers, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family. It’s these small kitchen moments that bring peace in the cozy chaos.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family digs into this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese as a stand-alone dinner. The kids love when I pair it with simple carrot sticks and crisp apple slices—the sweet crunch balances the creamy macaroni and cheese perfectly.
This chili mac recipe shines on busy weeknights when we need quick dinner recipes without the stress. For a bit of variety, I sometimes add a side salad with a light vinaigrette, which freshens the plate without overwhelming our main comfort dish.
Leftovers are a lifesaver with this dish. I store any extra One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese in airtight containers, and it reheats beautifully. The flavors meld together overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day—win-win for busy mornings.
Seasonal twist? In colder months, I sometimes stir in a bit of roasted green chili or switch up the cheese blend to include smoky gouda. For warmer days, a dollop of fresh avocado salsa on top adds a bright freshness that surprises everyone.
Friends who’ve visited often ask for the recipe after trying this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people back around my kitchen table.
If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for the philly cheesesteak soup recipe on MommiesMore for another creamy comfort boost.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese really filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely. The combination of ground beef chili, beans, and creamy macaroni fills those hungry bellies. My kids are energized and satisfied, and my husband often says it’s just right for their appetites.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?
A: Start with less spice and more cheese. I found that dialing back chili powder and adding extra creamy macaroni and cheese comforts even the pickiest eaters. You can always sneak in veggies finely chopped in the chili base.
Q: Can I meal prep this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in portions. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it feels thick.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: I do. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes it a perfect sanity-saving option for later in the week.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Swap out ground beef chili for a mixture of beans and veggies, or use plant-based ground beef substitutes. The One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese remains rich and creamy.
Q: How do I avoid the macaroni sticking?
A: Make sure to stir regularly during cooking and keep an eye on the liquid level. If it dries out, adding more broth helps keep the pasta soft.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a bigger family?
A: Definitely. Just use a larger pot and watch the cooking time; you might need a few extra minutes for the pasta to cook through perfectly.
This cozy One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a crowd favorite and practical for busy moms wanting quick dinner recipes without fuss. For more comforting, quick one pot meals, you might enjoy the chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe from MommiesMore too.
Final Thoughts:
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese supports my family’s comfort food goals by combining convenience, flavor, and fullness all in one dish. It soothes the soul after busy days and brings everyone back to the dinner table happily.
My One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Comfort Hacks:
– Add extra shredded cheese when serving for that ooey-gooey finish
– Stir in sour cream off heat for creamy silkiness
– Use pre-cut veggies or frozen beans to save prep time
Family-tested variations include:
– Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce (my husband’s favorite)
– Veggie-packed: Sneak in bell peppers and zucchini finely diced (the kids don’t even notice)
– Cheese swap: Mix cheddar–mozzarella combo for extra mellow creaminess beloved by my youngest
My family members each have their favorite version, showing how flexible this dish is for all tastes. I encourage you to make it your own way and share the simple comfort with your loved ones.
I hope this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese brings you as much joy and time-saving comfort as it has to my family. Here’s to sanity-saving comfort food and dinnertime wins for every busy mom out there! For some similar comforting recipes, you might like the mac and cheese soup or this philly cheesesteak soup recipe. You’re doing amazing, and your kitchen will soon be filled with cozy smells and happy faces.
If you’re curious about more cozy chili fusion meals, check out this Two classics, one cozy dish. ❤️ Carroll Shelby’s Chili Mac … post on Facebook—it’s a delightful twist on comfort. And for a bit more inspiration, the Pioneer Woman’s chili mac and cheese recipe is a lovely option to try.
Remember, keeping dinner simple and satisfying is a gift we give ourselves and our families. Here’s your next dinnertime win with One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese!
Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers!
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a hearty, flavorful chili in an easy-to-make, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and elbow macaroni. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, top with sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or a dollop of guacamole. This dish also freezes well for meal prep.