Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne will work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—larger pasta shapes may need an extra minute or two to cook through.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also skip the meat entirely and add an extra can of beans or some diced mushrooms for that hearty texture.

My dish came out too spicy. How can I tone it down?

If you find your chili mac too spicy, add a bit more cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a splash of cream to mellow the heat. For next time, remember to start with less cayenne pepper—you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the first steps, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a quick release. For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics and beef separately, then transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and cook on low for 6-7 hours, adding the pasta for the last 30 minutes and cheese at the very end.

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 red capsicum / bell pepper, chopped; 500g / 1 lb ground beef (lean mince); 800g / 28 oz crushed canned tomato; 420g / 14 oz can red kidney beans, drained; 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth); 250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked; 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese); 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish); 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or pure chilli powder (adjust to taste); 2 tsp paprika powder; 2 tsp cumin powder; 1 1/2 tsp onion powder (or garlic powder as substitute); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 1/4 tsp salt

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines the bold flavors of homemade chili with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese, all in a single pot! It’s a hearty, flavor-packed weeknight wonder that comes together in just 25 minutes. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory goodness with that irresistible cheesy pull that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta absorbs all those delicious chili spices.
Quick and Satisfying: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen.
Comfort Food Fusion: This dish brilliantly combines two beloved comfort foods—chili and mac and cheese—creating a meal that’s both familiar and exciting.
Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone at your table, making it family-friendly while still packing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics, giving the dish a good start with a subtle fruity note.
Garlic and onion: These aromatic powerhouses build the flavor base of the dish. Don’t skimp here!
Red bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness, color, and texture to balance the richness of the dish.
Ground beef: Provides heartiness and protein. Go for lean if you prefer less fat, but a little fat adds flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: The acid and umami from tomatoes form the backbone of the chili part of this dish.
Kidney beans: These add protein, fiber, and that classic chili texture. They also help stretch the dish to feed more people!
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks. It’s the secret to making one-pot pasta dishes taste so good.
Elbow macaroni: The classic shape that captures the sauce perfectly in every bite. Plus, it cooks quickly!
Cheese: Use a good melting cheese that you enjoy eating. The cheese creates that irresistible gooey texture we all love.
Cilantro: A fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Homemade chili spice blend: The magic mix that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. Each spice plays a crucial role in building that signature chili profile.

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

Protein Swaps

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish!

Veggie Boosters

Sneak in more nutrition by adding diced zucchini, corn kernels, or even a handful of spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Mac and Cheese Upgrades

Experiment with different cheese combinations—pepper jack adds a nice kick, while a bit of cream cheese makes it extra creamy.

Bean Variations

Black beans or pinto beans can be substituted for kidney beans, or use a combination for interesting texture and flavor.

How to Make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook thoroughly, making sure to break it up as you go. This is important for even texture throughout the dish. Once the beef has completely changed from red to brown, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni, and all the spices. Give everything a good stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Cover the pot and let everything cook together for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente—that perfect point where it’s cooked but still has a slight firmness. The mixture should still be somewhat saucy at this stage.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the stove. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cohesive dish. Top with the remaining cheese, put the lid back on, and let it sit for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve immediately while the cheese is still gloriously melty.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Turn off the heat as soon as the pasta is just barely cooked. It will continue to cook from residual heat when you melt the cheese.
Keep It Saucy: If the mixture seems too liquidy when the pasta is done, don’t worry—the sauce will continue to be absorbed. Saucy is good!
Cheese Strategy: Adding half the cheese directly into the mixture creates a creamy sauce, while reserving half for the top gives you that Instagram-worthy cheese pull.
Spice Wisdom: If serving to spice-sensitive eaters, start with less cayenne and offer hot sauce at the table for those who want more heat.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and measure out spices before starting to cook for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread or cornbread also makes a fantastic accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce.

Topping Bar

Set out small bowls of extra toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, and hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.

Complete Meal

For a complete and balanced meal, serve smaller portions as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or a simple protein, with steamed vegetables on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld.

Freezing

For make-ahead freezing, slightly undercook the pasta so it remains a bit firm. Let the mixture cool completely, then top with cheese, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The microwave is the best method for reheating as it’s quick and won’t overcook the pasta. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne will work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—larger pasta shapes may need an extra minute or two to cook through.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also skip the meat entirely and add an extra can of beans or some diced mushrooms for that hearty texture.
My dish came out too spicy. How can I tone it down?

If you find your chili mac too spicy, add a bit more cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a splash of cream to mellow the heat. For next time, remember to start with less cayenne pepper—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the first steps, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a quick release. For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics and beef separately, then transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and cook on low for 6-7 hours, adding the pasta for the last 30 minutes and cheese at the very end.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is truly the best of both worlds—comforting, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make. It’s my go-to recipe when I need to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor. The combination of spicy chili and creamy cheese creates a magical dish that somehow manages to please everyone from picky eaters to food enthusiasts. Give it a try—I’m certain it will become a regular in your meal rotation just like it has in mine!