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Cardamom Days

Mains, Recipes · September 30, 2024

One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese

One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese

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Who doesn’t love a one pot dinner? I know I love them, especially for busy weeknights. They’re quick, there are minimal dishes; what’s not to love? My One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese recipe has taken a little time to perfect, but I think we’re there! It’s really delicious, but also super easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s a really comforting dish. It’s warm and hearty, which is perfect for my very hungry boys!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 red pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 19 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

How to Make One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese

Start off by heating up some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in some diced onions and red pepper, stirring until fragrant. Add in the ground beef and cook until brown. Once the beef is done, add in some beef broth and a can of diced tomatoes. Mix in some chili powder, garlic powder, and a little salt.

Bring to a boil and add in your macaroni. Cook according to package directions. When that’s done, turn off the heat but keep the pot on the hot burner. Mix in about half the cheese and top with the remaining half. Put the lid back on and let sit for 5 minutes to get the cheese all melty and then you’re ready to serve!

One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese

One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese

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Prep Time:5 minutes mins
Cook Time:35 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Keyword: main course, main dish, pasta
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 19 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add in olive oil, diced red pepper, and diced onion. Heat until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  • Add in the ground beef and cook until brown.
  • Once the ground beef is cooked, add in the canned tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, salt, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil.
  • Add in the macaroni and cook according to package directions.
  • Once the macaroni is cooked, turn the heat off but keep the pot on the hot burner. Mix in half the cheese, stirring until well combined.
  • Top the pasta with the remaining cheese and put the lid back on. Let sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is really simple and perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s a hearty recipe that is going to keep your family full. We also have lots of leftovers with this recipe which makes for great work lunches!

The first time I made this I used quite a bit more chili powder, which was too much for Hudson and I. Cole really liked it, but it needed to be milder so we could all enjoy it. This seems to be the perfect blend for us, but feel free to play around if you like things to be spicier.

This One Pot Chili Mac + Cheese is filling, easy to make, and delicious. It’s a fun twist on a classic comfort food and one I hope you enjoy as much as we do!

Posted In: Mains, Recipes

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