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Home » Dinner » Chili Mac (One Pot!)

April 28, 2019 By Sara 25 Comments

Chili Mac (One Pot!)

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This one pot chili mac is a blend of ground beef, macaroni, beans, tomatoes and spices, all topped off with plenty of melted cheese. An easy dinner option that’s family friendly and on the table in 30 minutes!

I love a good one pot meal on a busy day, my family’s favorites include jambalaya, pizza pasta and this cheesy chili mac. It’s the perfect comfort food option that will please any crowd.

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A skillet of chili mac topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes and minced onion.

Doing dishes is my least favorite part about cooking, which is why I turn to one pot meals whenever possible. My kids request this chili mac constantly, and for good reason – it’s loaded with flavor, texture and of course, plenty of cheese!

How do you make chili mac?

This recipe starts with ground beef, which is browned in a skillet with onions and garlic. The cooked beef is mixed with canned tomatoes, kidney beans, spices, beef broth and macaroni. Everything simmers together until the pasta is tender. The final step is to add a layer of shredded cheese. Let the cheese melt, then add a few toppings and you’ll be ready to eat!

Ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes and spices in a skillet.

Tips for chili mac

  • Make sure you use a large enough pan to contain all the ingredients, as the pasta will expand as it cooks.
  • You can use any type of short pasta, just be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly. You can check the cook time on your pasta box for guidance. If you’re using a large shape pasta that will absorb more liquid than traditional macaroni, you can add 1/2 cup more broth if needed.
  • I typically use cheddar cheese in this recipe, but pepper jack is great if you like a little more heat.
  • I recommend grating your own cheese if possible – store bought pre-shredded cheese is often coating with anti-caking agents and the cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • I use 90% lean ground beef – it’s got plenty of flavor without being overly greasy.

Uncooked macaroni in a skillet with ground beef and tomatoes.

Chili mac variations

There are so many different ways to customize this recipe to your tastes!

  • Meat: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, smoked sausage or even diced cooked chicken. You can also make this a meatless dish by adding a second can of beans.
  • Veggies: You can add more vegetables to this dish such as diced bell peppers or corn.
  • Toppings: I typically keep my toppings simple with a sprinkle of cilantro, diced tomato and red onion. Other great toppings include sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado, diced jalapeno, olives and tortilla strips.
  • Spice: If you’re into spicy food, try adding some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to your pasta.

Chili mac made with beef, beans, tomatoes and spices.

I make this chili mac almost every week – my family happily devours it, the leftovers are fabulous the next day, and it’s just so easy! How can you go wrong?

A serving spoon in a pan of chili mac scooping up a portion.

More great pasta dishes

  • Penne alla Vodka
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
  • Taco Pasta
  • Cheeseburger Pasta
A skillet of chili mac topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes and minced onion.
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5 from 18 votes

Chili Mac

This one pot chili mac is a blend of ground beef, macaroni, beans, tomatoes and spices, all topped off with plenty of melted cheese. An easy dinner option that's family friendly and on the table in 30 minutes!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili mac, chili mac and cheese, chili macaroni
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 511kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 10 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese grated
  • Toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomato and minced red onion optional

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
  • Add the onion to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, kidney beans and macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 12-13 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the pasta. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. You can cover the pot if needed to help the cheese melt.
  • Top with cilantro, tomatoes and onion if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 712mg | Potassium: 1017mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 6.2mg

Filed Under: Dinner, One Pot Meals, Pasta Tagged With: Beans, Ground Beef

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Comments

  1. Cathy says

    October 16, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    5 stars
    This was a hit in my house! I used Gardain crumbles instead of meat. We thought it was more like a taco pasta than a chili. Both of my kids (8 and 10) went back for seconds and the adults thought it hit the spot.

    Reply
  2. Ashley says

    October 9, 2019 at 12:22 pm

    I added half cup brown sugar to combat the acidity of the tomato and removed the cumin. Oh soooo good.

    Reply
  3. Deb says

    September 23, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so good! It makes a large portion so we enjoyed leftovers ‘

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    September 18, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    I made this as directions detailed accept:
    I used an ‘Alamo chili blend’ which consists of (powdered garlic, onion, Chipotle, smoked paprika, season salt, and Sazon goya, and a touch of kosher salt) on top of the spices you suggested. I also used a can of hunts fire roasted tomatoes with green chilies. And instead of a white or yellow onion I used diced red onion. Then I realized I didn’t have tradition elbow noodles so I used the dinosaur ones I had on hand. Served it with a side salad and crescent rolls. The kids loved the dinosaur 🦕 noodles. In all a tasty; simple dish. That cane together pretty easily. Thank you 😊

    Reply
  5. Nikki says

    September 5, 2019 at 2:58 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy!!! I added a bell pepper, corn, a diced jalapeno and topped with sour cream, cilantro, and avacado!!

    Reply
  6. Fern T. Kruse says

    July 1, 2019 at 2:22 pm

    I love this recipe! My husband thinks I’m the best chef ever when I make this!!

    Reply
  7. Sydney Bunnow says

    June 19, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    I cannot get over how good this is!! Hubby and my 2 yr old loved it. Easy and quick clean up. 5 start dish with AMAZING flavor.

    Reply
  8. patsy says

    May 18, 2019 at 10:06 am

    I don’t like the texture of cooked tomatoes, can I use puree instead?

    Reply
    • Sara says

      May 19, 2019 at 7:52 am

      Yes that’s fine!

      Reply
  9. Suzy says

    May 9, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    Love that I don’t have a mess of dishes to clean up after dinner!

    Reply
  10. Adrianne says

    May 9, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    I love the colours in this recipe. As well as how easy it looks to cook it all in the one pot. Pasta and mince, you can’t go wrong, add some spices and yummo. Can’t wait to try this. Cheers

    Reply
  11. Diana Reis says

    May 9, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    By kids will love this. It takes all of my creativity to get meat into my youngest, but working it in with some macaroni does the trick every time. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  12. Heidy L. McCallum says

    May 9, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    Looks like I found a recipe for my husband to cook for the kids this week while I am working. Looks so simple and easy. He loves effortless meal recipes. I told him to follow it to the letter and not ad-lib so it comes out as it should. Cross your fingers he listens lol!

    Reply
  13. Pam Greer says

    May 9, 2019 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    One pot meals are the best! I was trying to decide what to make for dinner next weekend when my son-in-law comes into town and this is perfect!! It comes out fantastic every time!

    Reply
  14. Melanie Bauer says

    May 1, 2019 at 4:51 am

    5 stars
    Looks extremely delicious! This is my ultimate comfort food, can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
  15. Catalina says

    April 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    Chili is my favorite dish! I am sure I will love this one!

    Reply
  16. Erin Dee says

    April 30, 2019 at 11:03 am

    5 stars
    Looks so delicious! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

    Reply
  17. Shannon Graham says

    April 30, 2019 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    I’ve always had this out of a can! This looks SO much better homemade!

    Reply
  18. Beth Pierce says

    April 30, 2019 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    Bring on the comfort food! This looks absolutely mouthwatering and tasty! My family will love this!

    Reply
  19. Vik says

    April 29, 2019 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    Incredibly tasty! I’ll have to try this as soon as I can

    Reply
  20. Demeter says

    April 29, 2019 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    Love how easy this comes together! So perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Reply
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