One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
5 - 6
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Calories
768 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Description
This recipe starts by sautéing garlic, onion, and red bell pepper in olive oil, then browning lean ground beef. Crushed canned tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, macaroni pasta, and a homemade chili spice mix provide robust flavor and substance. Simmering the mix covered allows the pasta to cook al dente while absorbing the sauce, which remains slightly saucy rather than dry. After turning off the heat, shredded cheese is stirred in to melt into the dish, followed by a rest period with the lid on to complete melting and thickening. Fresh coriander garnish adds herbaceous brightness.
The spice blend uses pure chili powder (or cayenne pepper as a substitute) along with paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper, contributing a warm and mildly spicy flavor profile. The recipe is adaptable to other minced meats and leaves room for seasoning adjustments.
This all-in-one meal serves about five generous portions and can be served immediately as a hearty, cheesy comfort food option. Leftovers freeze well when cooled and stored properly. Reheating is best done in the microwave to preserve pasta texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 onion , finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped, or capsicum
- 500g / 1 lb ground beef I use lean, mince
- 800g / 28 oz canned tomato crushed
- 420g / 14 oz red kidney beans drained, can
- 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also ok)
- 250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta (elbow pasta), uncooked
- 2 cups (200g) cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, tasty cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Coriander finely chopped, for garnish, or cilantro
Spices (Homemade Chili Powder):
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or pure chilli powder (adjust spiciness to taste) (Note 1)
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder (can sub garlic powder)
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute. Then add capsicum and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go.
- Once the beef turns from red to brown, add remaining ingredients except cheese. Stir, bring to simmer, then turn the heat down to medium.
- Cover and cook for 12 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente, meaning just cooked, still a tiny bit on the firm side. It should be saucy but not tons of liquid (see video).
- Turn the stove OFF but leave the pot on the stove. Stir through half the cheese – it should be a bit saucy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining cheese, put the lid back on and leave until the cheese melts - about 2 minutes (sauce will absorb further during this period).
- Sprinkle with coriander, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe uses a homemade chili powder blend with pure ground chili or cayenne to ensure appropriate spiciness.
- Turn off the stove once pasta is al dente; residual heat and resting with the lid on finish cooking and melt cheese.
- The dish should remain saucy rather than dry before serving, as sauce is absorbed by pasta over time.
- This recipe works with other minced meats including chicken, pork, turkey, or lamb.
- Leftovers freeze well; cool, top with cheese, cover, and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat in microwave.
- Nutrition is based on five generous servings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5- 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 768 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 524g | |
| Calories | 768cal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 103mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1630mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 1902mg | 40% |
| Fiber | 11g | 44% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 2226IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 116mg | 129% |
| Calcium | 468mg | 47% |
| Iron | 12mg | 67% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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