One Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort dinner. Tender elbow macaroni is combined with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese for a hearty, family-friendly meal. This one-pot recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Looking for other easy weeknight ideas? Consider a Spaghetti Casserole, White Chicken Chili, Mexican Cornbread Casserole, or Lasagna Roll-Ups for more crowd-pleasing dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac!
- Family favorite. This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great option when feeding a wide age range.
- Perfect for potlucks. It’s easy to scale and transports well, so it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
- Best of both worlds. Chili Mac blends the comfort of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of beef chili for a cheesy, savory dish.
- Simple ingredients. Mostly pantry staples and affordable items make this both budget-friendly and convenient.
Ingredients
Chili Mac uses mostly pantry staples. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy weeknight dinner.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon for sautéing the aromatics. Any neutral oil will work.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic add base flavor.
- Ground beef: Any lean-to-medium ground beef works; drain excess fat if desired.
- Beef broth: Adds depth—use beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Pasta sauce: A jarred tomato-based sauce keeps prep minimal.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Adds body and a touch of heat and brightness.
- Mild chili beans (undrained): These bring chili flavor and texture; regular beans can substitute.
- Chili seasoning mix: Provides the distinctive chili flavor—choose your preferred spice level.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic shape for chili mac; small pasta shapes can substitute if needed.
- Shredded cheese: A Mexican four-cheese blend or your favorite shredded cheese for melting on top.
Tips & Variations
- Add heat. Stir in crushed red pepper when browning the beef or a pinch of cayenne with the chili seasoning.
- Swap the meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute work well if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook until al dente so the noodles hold their shape when stirred into the sauce.
- Let the cheese melt. Remove the pot from heat, top with cheese, and cover for a couple of minutes so the cheese becomes gooey and fully melted.
How To Make Chili Mac
This is truly a one-pot meal that comes together fast. The main steps are simple:
- Cook the beef and aromatics. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Sauté garlic and onion, add ground beef, and cook until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Add the liquids and seasonings. Stir in beef broth, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta. Stir in the macaroni, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the pasta is al dente (about 13–15 minutes).
- Top with cheese. Remove from heat, sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover, and let the cheese melt for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately.
What To Serve With Chili Mac
Here are easy sides and accompaniments that pair well with Chili Mac for weeknight meals.
- Salads: A simple chef salad or a classic seven-layer salad adds freshness and crunch.
- Bread: Cornbread or garlic bread are great for soaking up sauce.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with cookies, cake, or bars for an easy sweet treat.
Chef Salad Recipe
Quick and Easy Jiffy Cornbread Recipe
M&M Cookies
Recipe FAQ
They are similar dishes, but goulash often omits beans and uses a different spice profile. Chili mac typically includes chili seasoning and beans, giving it a distinct flavor.
Yes. Use lean ground beef or swap in ground turkey or chicken and choose a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat.
Absolutely. Popular toppings include sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, avocado, or crunchy corn chips.
Leftovers & Storing
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months—note that frozen and thawed pasta can be softer, so avoid overcooking initially.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove in a skillet. Add a splash of broth if the mixture has thickened while stored.
More Pasta Recipes
- Baked Feta Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Goulash
- Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Baked Penne
Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cup traditional pasta sauce
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 16 ounces mild chili beans, undrained
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 box elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and ground beef; cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
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Stir in beef broth, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the pasta. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13–15 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Top with shredded cheese and cover until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
-
Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado, and crunchy corn chips.
Notes
- Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper while browning the beef or a sprinkle of cayenne with the seasoning.
- Change the ground meat. Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook until al dente so the noodles remain firm when stirred.
- Let the cheese melt. Allow the covered pot to sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese becomes fully melted and gooey.
, Carbohydrates: 37 g
, Protein: 31 g
, Fat: 24 g
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