One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese (30 Minutes)

Introduction

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic with a bold twist, merging the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy nostalgia of mac and cheese. Made in a single pot and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup — ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings. Enjoy a filling meal that hits all the right notes: saucy, cheesy, a little spicy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

What sets this chili mac and cheese apart? It’s the unbeatable combination of robust chili spices and the gooey creaminess of mac and cheese, all cooked together so the noodles absorb every bit of flavor. This is a true crowd pleaser because it’s easy, hearty, and can be tailored for spice or mild preferences. Plus, it sneaks in protein and veggies for a more balanced dinner, all in just half an hour.

The Key to Vibrant Flavor

The secret to depth of flavor in this dish is a quick sauté of onion, garlic, and ground beef with a classic blend of chili spices, followed by tomatoes and beans. Combined with broth and pasta in the same pot, everything simmers to perfection. The grand finale: a generous handful of shredded cheese stirred in at the end for a rich, melty finish.

Assembly — From Stovetop to Table in 30 Minutes

This recipe is as simple as it gets: brown the beef, toss in seasonings and pantry staples, add the uncooked pasta and broth, let it all simmer, then stir in cheese. One pot means less mess and easy serving — straight from the pot to your bowls!

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese

Serve piping hot, topped with extra cheese, fresh cilantro or green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for those who like a little kick. Pair with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead lunch or next-day dinner solution.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving is generally around 400-500 calories, depending on your choice of cheese, beef, and any toppings. With its balance of protein, fiber, and carbs, it’s a satisfying all-in-one-meal.

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recap

Effortless, cheesy, and loaded with chili flavor, this one pot meal is weeknight dinner at its best. The minimal prep, short cook time, and easy cleanup make it a go-to recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by grocery aisle. It’s the fastest way to streamline grocery trips and stay organized when meal planning!

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the meat is well-coated in the spices.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beans, broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-14 minutes, occasionally stirring, until pasta is tender and much of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve topped with any desired extras: more cheese, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.

Weekly Meal Planning

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is ideal for busy schedules, meal prepping, and family dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to build your meal plan, organize all needed ingredients, and create a smart shopping list that consolidates groceries by section for ultimate efficiency.

Planning Advantages:

– Automatically calculates ingredient totals when scheduling multiple recipes.
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery section for speedy trips.
– Eliminates duplicate purchases and helps prevent forgotten ingredients.
– Streamlines weekly meal prep for stress-free dinners.

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule your meals to see exactly what you need for the week — no more overbuying and less food waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes