Beefy chili with tender macaroni and melted cheddar
One-Pot Chili Mac
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
The best of chili and mac and cheese combined in one pot—seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a cheesy, spicy sauce.
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Quick Summary
35 min total time|6 servings|Easy difficulty
The best of chili and mac and cheese combined in one pot—seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a cheesy, spicy sauce.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Chili mac combines two comfort food favorites into one glorious pot—rich beefy chili studded with tender macaroni and topped with melted cheddar. It's a complete meal that practically cooks itself.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef with diced onion in a large pot. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in tomatoes, beans, broth, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil.
- 4
Stir in macaroni, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. Serve topped with sour cream and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Ground beefGround turkey or plant-based crumbles
Season generously for the best flavor
Kidney beansBlack beans or pinto beans
Any bean variety works great in chili
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Stir frequently in the last few minutes to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
Add a diced jalapeno for heat, or keep it mild for kids.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen, stirring frequently.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (75mg) · 6 servings
Calories440
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat42g
Fiber720mg
Sugar6g
Sodium5g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different pasta?
- Rotini or small shells work equally well—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- How do I make it spicier?
- Add cayenne, diced jalapenos, or a splash of hot sauce.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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