If there were ever a dish that could comfort you after a long day, it’s this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. It’s rich and hearty, loaded with tender macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and a cozy chili base all coated in melty, gooey cheese. And best of all? You only need one pot to make it all happen.

Whether you’re craving a quick family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this chili mac checks every box. It has the comforting nostalgia of classic mac and cheese, mixed with the bold and warming flavors of chili. You don’t have to choose between the two — just have both in one spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This is the kind of dinner that wins over kids and grown-ups alike. The pasta soaks up all that spiced chili flavor, and the cheese pulls everything together in the most crave-worthy way. It’s also a time-saver — you don’t have to cook the pasta separately. Everything simmers in the same pot, saving dishes and cleanup time.

It’s also endlessly customizable. You can swap in turkey, make it spicier, use beans or skip them — whatever works for you. Once you make it once, you’ll see why this one becomes a regular in the rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Chili Mac?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice here and for good reason. It cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce well. However, other short pastas like small shells, rotini, or cavatappi work great too. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on the pasta type and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Ingredients for the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This dish is made with pantry staples, and each ingredient plays a key role in building bold flavor and creamy texture.

Ground beef – The hearty base of the chili, full of savory richness.
Onion – Adds depth and a natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic – Brings a sharp aromatic kick that enhances the chili base.
Chili powder – The heart of the seasoning, warming and spicy.
Cumin – Adds earthy warmth that rounds out the flavor.
Crushed tomatoes – Provides a rich tomato backbone to the chili.
Beef broth – Deepens the flavor and helps cook the pasta.
Elbow macaroni – Cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all that goodness.
Kidney beans – Adds texture, protein, and that chili authenticity.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into the final dish for that classic comfort.
Salt and pepper – To season and balance everything perfectly.

How To Make the One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned and no longer pink, drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring everything to a simmer, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Beans

Stir in the elbow macaroni and drained kidney beans. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

How to Serve and Store One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This recipe feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinner or easy leftovers. Serve it straight from the pot while it’s hot and gooey. It’s fantastic with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped green onions on top.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.

What to Serve With One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread makes the perfect scoop for that cheesy chili goodness.

Green Salad

Keep things balanced with a light mixed greens salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges of roasted broccoli complement the creamy richness of the mac beautifully.

Pickled Jalapeños

Add a spicy kick with a few tangy pickled jalapeños on the side or mixed in.

Cornbread Muffins

If you’re feeling Southern-inspired, buttery cornbread muffins are a stellar side.

Creamy Coleslaw

The crunch and creaminess of coleslaw brings great contrast.

Avocado Slices

Fresh, cool avocado adds creaminess and freshness to each bite.

Hot Sauce

Let everyone customize the heat level with their favorite hot sauce at the table.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this easy, cheesy one-pot wonder, you’ll want to dig into these delicious comfort meals next:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a quick vegetarian dinner bursting with flavor.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you love creamy sauces and hearty sausage.
• Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese for the ultimate baked cheese pull.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with smoky spices and bold flavor.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed alternative twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add green chilies? Swap the beans? Use pepper jack instead of cheddar?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinner time easier and tastier.

Explore more cozy, satisfying one-pot dinners and cheesy pasta dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next family favorite.

Conclusion

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is more than just an easy dinner. It’s comfort food at its best, with layers of flavor and creamy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. Plus, it’s fast, family-friendly, and leaves you with minimal dishes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or lazy Sunday, this is the meal you’ll keep coming back to.