There’s something magical about a steaming pot of One-Pot Beef Chili Mac. It’s that cozy mix of bold chili spice, tender beef, and melty macaroni all simmered together. One pan, zero fuss and dinner’s ready before you know it. Perfect for chilly nights or busy evenings when you crave comfort without the cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 40 minutes.
• One pot means easy cleanup.
• Family-friendly and filling.
• Classic comfort with a zesty twist.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Serves
10 mins	30 mins	40 mins	6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Green onions or cilantro for garnish

Optional swaps:
Use ground turkey instead of beef, or add jalapeños for extra kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
6. Add kidney beans and uncooked macaroni. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
8. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Garnish with green onions or cilantro. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your One-Pot Beef Chili Mac with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or cornbread muffins. Add a cool glass of sweet tea or lemonade for a complete meal.

Quick Tips or Variations

• Add diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
• Use spicy sausage for deeper flavor.
• Swap pasta with gluten-free noodles if preferred.

FAQs

1. How long does it take macaroni to cook in chili?
About 12–15 minutes. The macaroni cooks directly in the chili broth, soaking up all the rich flavor.

2. What are common mistakes when making chili?
Overcrowding the pot or skipping the browning step. Browning builds depth don’t rush it.

3. How to make a good beef chili?
Use quality beef, fresh spices, and let it simmer long enough for flavors to blend beautifully.

4. What exactly is chili mac?
It’s a hybrid comfort dish part spicy chili, part creamy macaroni. A crowd-pleaser every time.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Beef Chili Mac is comfort food perfection. It’s rich, hearty, and made to share ideal for cozy nights or easy family dinners. One pot, endless flavor.

Print