One-Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef

One-Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

If you love hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese, this One-Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef is the perfect mashup. It’s bold, cheesy, filling, and made in just one pot — which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor.

Tender pasta cooks directly in a rich, seasoned ground beef chili sauce, absorbing all those delicious spices. Finished with melted cheese, this easy chili mac recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.

2. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

5. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, water, and seasonings.

6. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

7. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot.

8. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

9. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

10. Turn off heat.

11. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

12. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken.

Serve hot and enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Chili Mac

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• If mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of broth.

• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.

• Adjust chili powder for more or less spice.

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Flavor Variations

• Add diced bell peppers with onions.

• Use ground turkey instead of beef.

• Stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.

• Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

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What to Serve with Chili Mac

• Garlic bread

• Simple green salad

• Cornbread

• Steamed vegetables

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

• Freeze up to 2 months (pasta may soften slightly).