If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy meal that never fails to satisfy, Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! is absolutely where it’s at. Imagine tender macaroni nestled in a zesty, beef-and-bean chili, all smothered in melty cheddar cheese — it’s the best of both worlds in one steamy, colorful pot. This recipe takes just 35 minutes and is endlessly customizable, making it a winning choice for busy weeknights, hearty lunches, or lazy weekends. If you love classic chili and crave the oozy magic of mac and cheese, Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! might just become your favorite go-to dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! is that it relies on everyday staples while delivering seriously bold flavors. Each ingredient has its role — bringing color, heartiness, zest, and irresistible cheesy goodness to every bite.
- Olive oil: This adds a silky base for sautéing and keeps everything luscious without being heavy.
- Lean ground beef or plant-based ground: Pick your favorite — this is the protein powerhouse that creates those hearty chili vibes.
- Onion (diced): It sweetens up as it cooks, lending an aromatic foundation that ties everything together.
- Garlic (minced): No comfort dish is complete without that garlicky base to wake up all the flavors.
- Red bell pepper (diced): For sweetness, color, and a fresh veggie pop that balances the spices.
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy, earthy beans for substance and classic chili texture.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): A second layer of beans for even more hearty satisfaction.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): You get juicy brightness and just the right tang.
- Tomato sauce: This thickens the base and pulls all the flavors together.
- Vegetable or beef broth: The key to cooking the pasta right in the pot and infusing the whole dish with flavor.
- Chili powder: The star spice for a gentle kick and that signature chili warmth.
- Ground cumin: Brings a little earthiness to round out the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle, delicious smokiness that really sets this mac apart.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The classic noodle shape soaks up everything while staying delightfully tender.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese shreds): This is where the magic happens — melty, creamy, and rich.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with fresh, herby notes.
How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight!
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once warm, add the ground beef (or your choice of plant-based ground), onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned and the veggies are soft and fragrant. This first step is all about building the succulent, flavor-packed foundation that will carry through every bite.
Step 2: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices
To that beautifully sautéed base, stir in the kidney beans, black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Pour in the broth — this is going to help the macaroni cook later. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the dish with their warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
The beauty of Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! is that the pasta cooks right in the pot — no need for an extra pan. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stir everything together, and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for about 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The pasta should be perfectly tender and ready to soak up all those chili flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar (or your favorite vegan cheese). Stir patiently until it melts into an irresistible, creamy sauce that binds all the elements together. This is the part where Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! truly lives up to its name — all that savory, gooey, and comforting goodness in every scoop.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the chili mac into bowls while it’s hot and steamy. If you like a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving. Now take a moment to admire that colorful, cheese-stretchy masterpiece you just made!
How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight!
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and herby brightness. If you love a little extra kick, try sliced jalapeños or a tiny spoonful of sour cream. A handful of crushed tortilla chips or a scatter of green onions will add crunch and flavor, making your bowl of Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! just that much more fun.
Side Dishes
This dish is truly satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, serve it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, warm cornbread muffins, or roasted veggies. Each side brings something different to the table — balance, texture, or a little extra comfort alongside that steamy bowl of Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful party presentation, serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini Dutch ovens. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a few minutes until bubbly. Hosting a game night? Ladle the chili mac into mugs and invite everyone to add their own toppings — it’s interactive, irresistible, and sure to be a new favorite way to enjoy Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those next-day lunches or dinners taste even cozier. Just be sure to cool it down a bit before sealing up to preserve the creamy texture of your Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight!
Freezing
Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! is freezer-friendly, so don’t hesitate to stash a batch for later. Let the chili mac cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to two months. Remember to leave a little headspace for expansion and label the date to keep things organized.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. For larger portions, gently warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. This will help your Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! come back to its original creamy, decadent glory.
FAQs
Can I make Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in plant-based ground “meat” and your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds. Use vegetable broth, and you’ll have a fully plant-powered version with all the same cozy flavors.
What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini will work just as well. The important thing is to use something with enough surface area to hold all the chili cheese goodness.
How can I make it spicier?
Spice lovers, rejoice! Add chopped jalapeño, extra chili powder, or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to crank up the heat. Taste as you go, and remember you can always add more spice but can’t take it away.
Will the pasta get mushy if I freeze and reheat?
This is a hearty dish, so the pasta holds up pretty well, but it may soften slightly after freezing and reheating. If you’re picky about noodle texture, undercook the pasta by a minute or two before freezing, so it finishes perfectly when you reheat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Use a larger pot and double all the ingredients, keeping an eye on liquid levels and stirring a bit more often to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend making Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! enough — it’s quick to whip up, infinitely adaptable, and so incredibly satisfying. Whether you stick with the classic or put your spin on the recipe, you’re in for a dinner that brings a smile to everyone around the table. Don’t wait to try this cozy favorite — your future self (and all your hungry loved ones) will thank you!
Print
Chili Mac and Cheese: A Comforting One-Pot Delight! Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that combines the flavors of hearty chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or plant-based ground
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 3 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese shreds)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper until browned. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, spices, and simmer.
- Cook the Macaroni: Stir in the macaroni, cover, and cook for 12-14 minutes until tender.
- Finish the Dish: Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add jalapeño or extra chili flakes.
- Vegetarian or vegan options available with plant-based ingredients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
