One Pot Chili Cheese Mac

One Pot Chili Cheese Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the flavors of chili and mac and cheese into one delicious, hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe melds the richness of ground beef with the zesty notes of chili spices, creating a meal that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With cheesy goodness that’s baked to bubbly perfection, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This dish is a complete winner, and here’s why: it’s quick, easy on the wallet, and perfect for family bonding time around the dinner table. Who doesn’t love the comforting embrace of macaroni and cheese? But when you add in a bold chili twist, it becomes something extraordinary. Not to mention, it’s all made in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward—a mom’s (and cook’s) dream!

"This was a hit at our family dinner! My kids couldn’t get enough of it, and my husband asked for seconds. It’s now a weeknight staple!" — Emily F.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making One Pot Chili Cheese Mac is a breeze. You’ll begin by browning your meat and onions, then add in your spices and fresh veggies. After that, it’s all about that beautiful combination of pasta, cheese, and chili flavors that simmer together until creamy. Finally, a quick trip to the oven makes the cheese bubble and brown, turning this dish into a gorgeous centerpiece for any meal.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to get started:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups shredded melty cheese (Colby, cheddar, pepper jack)
• Green onions and cilantro for serving

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or vegetarian protein for a lighter option!

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add the ground meat and chopped onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Brown the meat, breaking it up until it’s nice and crumbled.
2. Toss in the chopped poblano pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is fragrant. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced green chilies. Pour in your broth and a couple of cups of water. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
3. Bring the pot to a boil and add the pasta. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often to prevent sticking. Stir in the hot sauce, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is creamy.
4. Remove from heat and top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

You can serve this dish piping hot on its own or add a crisp green salad on the side to balance things out. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese over the top can elevate the flavor even further. Pair it with some crusty bread for a comforting meal that satisfies every craving.

How to Store and Freeze

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the creamy texture. You can also freeze this chili mac for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Stir often, particularly while cooking the pasta, to prevent any sticking at the bottom.
• If you like it spicier, consider adding in some jalapeños or an extra dash of hot sauce!
• For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese melt into the mixture for a few extra minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? You can swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a twist on flavor. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try using whole grain or gluten-free pasta.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for this dish?

Prep time is about 10 minutes, with around 30 minutes for cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety.

How do I store this dish?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

One Pot Chili Cheese Mac

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• Author: olivia-bennett
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

The ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of chili and mac and cheese into a delicious, hearty dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups shredded melty cheese (Colby, cheddar, pepper jack)
• Green onions and cilantro for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.
2. Add the ground meat and chopped onion to a large pot over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat until crumbled.
3. Toss in the chopped poblano pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced green chilies. Pour in your broth and water, adjusting seasoning as needed.
5. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until al dente.
6. Stir in the hot sauce, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Cook until creamy.
7. Remove from heat and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve in bowls and garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Notes

For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese melt longer before serving. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American