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One Pot Chili Mac

One Pot Chili Mac is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with the satisfying texture of macaroni, all cooked in a single pot for easy preparation and clean-up.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Spatula

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pound Ground Beef Choose a lean variety to keep the dish balanced.

Vegetables

  • 1 medium Onion, diced Adds a sweet and savory base.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Brings a punch of flavor and aroma.

Canned Goods

  • 1 can (15 ounces) Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed Adds protein and fiber.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) Diced Tomatoes Use fire-roasted for a smoky depth.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Provides necessary liquid for cooking.

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Brings warmth and complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds an earthy note.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds subtle sweetness and color.

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Absorbs flavors well.

Dairy

  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar is popular, but mix in your favorites.

Seasoning

  • Salt and Pepper to taste Essential for balancing flavors.

Garnish

  • Chopped Green Onions Adds a fresh crunch.

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion to the pot, stirring it in with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Incorporate the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth into the mixture. Stir everything together to combine.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir the pasta into the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

One Pot Chili Mac is highly versatile; feel free to customize with different proteins, pasta shapes, or toppings to suit your taste.