Name: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup water; 28 oz. can Petite Diced Tomatoes with Green Chile, undrained; 16 oz. elbow macaroni, uncooked; 8 oz. cream cheese; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible, hearty dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It’s the perfect blend of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese, creating a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your household. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Truly One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot—the pasta actually cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors while creating minimal cleanup.
Family-Friendly: This dish hits the sweet spot between kid-approved mac and cheese and adult-worthy chili. It’s comfort food that everyone at your table will devour.
Weeknight Hero: When you need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, this 30-minute meal has your back. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it comes together in minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The protein foundation of our chili mac, providing richness and substance. Use 80/20 for the best flavor, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Mustard Powder: This powerhouse spice blend creates that distinctive chili flavor profile without needing to simmer for hours.
Beef Broth: Adds richness and depth while providing the liquid needed to cook the pasta directly in the pot.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chile: These add acidity, texture, and just the right amount of heat without requiring you to chop anything. The liquid also helps cook the pasta.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic mac and cheese shape that perfectly captures bits of meat and sauce in each bite. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this dish incredibly creamy and luxurious without needing to make a separate cheese sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Provides that classic sharp, cheesy flavor that makes mac and cheese so irresistible. Always shred your own for the best melting!
Lime Juice: A small but mighty addition that brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness with a touch of acidity.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Play with the heat level by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or using spicy diced tomatoes with habaneros if you like things fiery. Alternatively, use mild green chiles and regular paprika for a kid-friendly version.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the beef and double up on beans—black beans and kidney beans make an excellent protein-packed combination. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Loaded Chili Mac

Add corn, black beans, or bell peppers with the pasta for extra nutrition and texture. Top with avocado, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded version that’s truly restaurant-worthy.

Smoky Bacon Chili Mac

Start by cooking chopped bacon until crispy, then use the bacon fat to brown the beef. Crumble the bacon and stir it in at the end with the cheese for an amazing smoky flavor.

How to Make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the oil in a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Sprinkle all the seasonings over the beef and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth, water, and undrained tomatoes with green chiles. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Once the liquid is boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

When the pasta is tender, add the cream cheese in small pieces to help it melt quickly. Stir until completely melted and incorporated. Add the milk, lime juice, and shredded cheddar, stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and cheesy. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rinse the Pasta: The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce and allows it to cling to each noodle.
Watch Your Pasta Cooking Time: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, check it frequently. Different brands may require slightly different cooking times.
Cheese Matters: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra minute to shred your own for the creamiest results.
Adjust the Consistency: If your chili mac seems too thick after adding the cheeses, stir in a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it stands.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency and allows the flavors to meld together even more.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty one-pot meal is substantial enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Topping Bar

Set up a topping station with sliced green onions, diced avocado, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for a customizable experience that everyone will love.

Bread on the Side

Warm cornbread or garlic bread makes an excellent companion to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so the texture may change slightly but will still be delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with an additional splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Any small pasta shape works well—shells, rotini, or cavatappi are all excellent choices. Just adjust cooking time as needed since thicker pasta shapes may take a minute or two longer to become tender.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adjust this recipe?
This recipe is actually mild-to-medium as written. For an even milder version, use regular diced tomatoes instead of those with green chiles, and reduce the chili powder to 1 teaspoon. You can always provide hot sauce on the side for those who like more heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and add it to your slow cooker with all ingredients except pasta, cream cheese, milk, and cheddar. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the pasta and cook for another 30 minutes until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients until melted and creamy.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Definitely! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots with the onions.

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that proves homemade meals don’t need to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Try it once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation—and the best part is, you’ll only have one pot to wash when dinner’s done!