Easy One Pot Chili Mac Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting, and ridiculously easy dinner idea that the whole family will devour, this One Pot Chili Mac recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Bursting with bold chili flavors and creamy, cheesy pasta, it’s a one-pan meal that brings big flavor with minimal cleanup. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when takeout feels like too much work!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest—weeknights can be chaotic. Between work, errands, and getting everyone fed, simplicity is key. That’s where this One Pot Chili Mac swoops in to save the day. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

Quick and Easy: Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes? Yes, please!
One Pot Cleanup: Fewer dishes = more time for you.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Hearty and Comforting: It’s like chili and mac & cheese had a delicious baby.
Easy to Customize: Spice it up, make it vegetarian, or add extra veggies—the choice is yours.
Budget-Friendly: Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

It’s one of those magical recipes that feels made for hectic days but tastes like you spent hours cooking. Isn’t that the dream?

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Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up this chili mac. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: Use a pot big enough to hold all the ingredients—everything cooks in one dish!
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy keeps the flavor balanced.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping your onion and garlic.
Colander: Optional, if you want to rinse your beans.

Minimal tools, minimal mess, maximum flavor. That’s our kind of equation.

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Preparation Tips

Want to make this already-simple chili mac even easier? Here are some helpful tips to streamline dinner:

Prep Ahead: Chop your onion and garlic in the morning or the night before and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge.
Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well. For the creamiest result, grate your cheddar fresh.
Use Broth Instead of Water: Cooking the macaroni in beef broth adds TONS of flavor to the pasta. Don’t skip it!
Layer Flavors: Let the onions and garlic sauté until translucent and fragrant before adding the beef. It makes a huge difference.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño if your household likes the heat.

Have frozen ground beef? Thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave before cooking. You’ll be ready to go in no time!

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make flavorful chili mac in just one pot:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1.5 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2.5 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional garnish)

Ingredient Tip: No kidney beans? Try black beans or pinto beans instead—or even a mix!

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Step-by-Step Directions

This chili mac recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to pull it together in under 35 minutes:

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until beef is well-coated with spices.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, macaroni, and broth. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the easiest recipes can go sideways. Avoid these pitfalls for the perfect chili mac every time:

Overcooking the Pasta: Stir during simmering and check the pasta for doneness by 12 minutes—it can go mushy fast.
Using Too Much Liquid: Follow the broth and tomato amounts carefully, or you’ll have chili soup instead of chili mac.
Skimping on Seasoning: Spices are key! Make sure your beef is flavorful before adding liquids and pasta.
Adding Cheese Too Early: Wait until the end to add cheese. Adding it too soon can cause it to clump or separate.

Keep these in mind and you’re golden!

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Best Side Dishes

Chili mac is a one-dish wonder, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some awesome sidekicks:

Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing. That slightly sweet crunch works so well with chili spices.
Simple Green Salad: Light and refreshing. Try a vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are great roasted and tossed with olive oil and herbs.
Garlic Bread: Who says you can’t double up on carbs? Bonus: it’s great for scooping up cheesy leftovers!

Pick one, or mix and match. Either way, you’re in for a satisfying meal.

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Expert Recipe Tips

Want to tweak this recipe or make it even tastier? Try these ideas:

Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or two extra cans of beans.
Use Turkey or Chicken: Ground turkey or ground chicken works great for a lighter version.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, diced zucchini, or spinach mix in well for extra nutrients.
Switch the Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, rotini, or penne also work.
Creamier Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream before folding in the cheese for a richer finish.

This recipe is super flexible. Make it your own!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Made too much (or meal planning genius)? Here’s how to store and reheat your chili mac:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cools well! Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: Add a splash of broth or water, cover loosely, and microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a little broth or water to loosen it up. Stir gently until hot and creamy.

Top with a bit of fresh cheese and herbs to refresh the flavor!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! It reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze chili mac?

Yes—freeze in single-serving containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. For more heat, add cayenne, hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño. For no spice, reduce or skip chili powder.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also work well. Use freshly grated if possible.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just be sure your pot is big enough. Keep the same cook time but stir a bit more often to prevent sticking.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Chili Mac is more than just a quick dinner—it’s comfort food at its finest. With hearty ground beef, tender pasta, bold spices, and plenty of gooey cheese, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cozy, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Give it a try and let us know what you think! Did you spice it up, swap ingredients, or stick with the classic version? Snap a photo and tag us—we love seeing your creations! And if you’re hungry for more quick one-pot meals, check out our Easy Skillet Lasagna or Creamy One Pot Chicken Pasta.

Happy cooking!