What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love eating delicious food, but my least favorite part is always the mountain of dishes left behind.
That’s why I’m obsessed with One Pot Chili Mac Simple Dinner Ideas. It combines two of the coziest foods—creamy macaroni and cheese and spicy chili beans—into a single, incredible dish. You get a hearty dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. If you love this concept, you should try my creamy shrimp scampi orzo for another quick and satisfying option.
This recipe is my secret weapon for busy weeknights. It’s the ultimate comfort food that saves you from a sink full of pots, pans, and spoons. Let’s dig into how to make it.
Recipe Overview
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and solves the cleanup problem perfectly.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I truly believe one-pot meals are a modern kitchen miracle. They turn cooking from a chore into a quick, enjoyable task.
Everything cooks together in one vessel. You brown the meat, sauté the aromatics, and simmer the pasta all in the same pot. This method lets the flavors build and blend in a way that just tastes better.
Best of all, you only have one pot to wash. That means more time relaxing and less time scrubbing. It’s a total win for anyone who loves to eat but hates to clean.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is the first step to a smooth cooking experience. You won’t need much, I promise.
The only equipment you need is a large pot or Dutch oven with a lid. Make sure it’s big enough to hold everything comfortably. That’s it!
One Pot Chili Mac Simple Dinner Ideas Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade One Pot Chili Mac Simple Dinner Ideas Recipe!
Nutrition Information
For ingredients, think of classic chili and classic mac and cheese having a party. We’re using ground beef, chili beans, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni. The cheese sauce comes together right in the pot, too. It’s magically simple. For a different take on a one-pot soup, my quick chicken taco soup is another fantastic, flavor-packed choice.
The Full Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to grab from your pantry or the store. Most of these are pantry staples, which is another reason I love this recipe.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, with sauce (do not drain)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, more cheese
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a perfect, no-fuss result. I’ve included my little tricks to keep the mess contained.
- Brown the meat. In your large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and the onion is soft, drain any excess fat if you like.
- Add the flavor. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for just one minute until it smells amazing. This wakes up the spices.
- Build the sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili beans (with their sauce!), and broth. Give it a good stir and bring it all to a gentle boil.
- Cook the pasta. Stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Make it cheesy. Turn off the heat. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken up.
- Serve and top. Dish it up hot! Add your favorite toppings like a dollop of sour cream or some chopped green onions.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
After making this dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things. These tips will make sure your dish turns out great every single time.
First, use the right size pot. A 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal. It gives the ingredients room to cook evenly without bubbling over.
Don’t stir too much once the pasta is simmering. An occasional stir is fine, but let it do its thing. This helps the pasta cook properly and the sauce thicken.
If the mixture looks too dry while the pasta cooks, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too soupy after adding the cheese, let it sit off the heat with the lid off for a few more minutes. It will thicken up perfectly.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This chili mac makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day, which is a huge bonus.
Let the leftovers cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to a portion in a bowl. Microwave it in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop in a small saucepan, adding a little liquid to keep it creamy.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, filling meal. Here’s a basic look at what you’re getting per serving (based on 6 servings).
- Calories: ~450-500
- Protein: ~25g (great for staying full!)
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~6g (from the beans and tomatoes)
You can easily adjust it. Use lean ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Choose whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. The recipe is very forgiving.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to help you out.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but stick to small shapes with similar cook times. Small shells, cavatappi, or rotini will work. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it’s hard to manage in one pot.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! It’s an easy swap. Skip the ground beef. Use an extra can of beans (like kidney or black beans) or a bag of plant-based ground “meat.” Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Is it too spicy for kids?
Not at all! This recipe as written is very mild and family-friendly. The “chili” flavor comes from the spices and beans, not heat. If you want spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your kitchen like it is in mine. It proves you don’t need a lot of time or dishes to put a delicious, comforting meal on the table. For the ultimate in cozy, creamy comfort, you must try my creamy garden chicken lasagna soup next.
This one-pot wonder is the answer to your busy weeknight dinners. It’s cheesy, hearty, and so satisfying. Plus, you’ll have a clean kitchen in record time.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
