One Pot Chili Mac Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that delivers big flavors with hardly any cleanup, you’re going to fall head over heels for this easy, comforting One Pot Chili Mac Recipe. Imagine everything you love about a hearty beef chili and your creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese—brought together in a single bubbling pot of pure, weeknight magic. Meaty, cheesy, spicy, and so satisfying, this is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas and brings everyone running to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Pot Chili Mac Recipe relies on a handful of pantry and fridge staples—each one bringing its own unique character to the show. The beauty is in their combination: classic chili flavors, tender pasta, and oozy cheese, all coming together effortlessly.

• Ground beef: Delivers hearty, savory flavor and a wonderfully satisfying bite you can’t skip.
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens into the beef.
• Minced garlic: Adds that unmistakable aromatic punch to start everything off right.
• Chili powder: The backbone of chili flavor—smoky, earthy, and just the right amount of spice.
• Chunky Rotel (undrained): Tomatoes and green chilies supply tang, juiciness, and lively heat.
• Chili beans (undrained): These add sauciness, protein, texture, and a chili-seasoned boost.
• Water: Essential for cooking the pasta right in the pot—it absorbs all the flavors.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape soaks up chili goodness and keeps every bite just right.
• Velveeta: For that classic, ultra-creamy cheese sauce that hugs every noodle.
• Shredded fiesta blend cheese: Melts over the top to create a gooey, golden finish.
• Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds fresh, pretty color before serving.

How to Make One Pot Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet or saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Add in your ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir often and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the beef up as you go, until it’s fully cooked and the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Season with Chili Powder

With your beef mixture ready, sprinkle in the chili powder. Give everything a good mix so that every little crumbled bit of meat gets evenly coated, ensuring robust flavor from the very base of your One Pot Chili Mac Recipe.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Pour both cans of undrained chunky Rotel and the undrained chili beans into your pan. Stir gently to blend the saucy tomatoes and tender beans into the seasoned beef, creating a chili-like mixture that’s already smelling sensational.

Step 4: Add Water and Boil

Now, add the water to the pan—this is going to help the macaroni cook perfectly and absorb all those layers of flavor. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, watching as the scent of chili spices and tomatoes fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

Once boiling, add in the elbow macaroni. Stir to make sure nothing sticks, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pasta cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until it’s just al dente—nice and tender, but still holding a little bite.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

Next, cut the velveeta into 1-inch chunks and drop them into your hot pot. Stir slowly until it’s completely melted, creating that signature ultra-creamy, cheesy sauce you crave in every One Pot Chili Mac Recipe. Once melted, sprinkle the shredded fiesta blend cheese all over the top, then remove your pan from the heat.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finally, for a fresh finish, scatter some chopped parsley over the whole pan, if you like. Dish up this cheesy, meaty pasta straight from the pot, piping hot and perfectly gooey.

How to Serve One Pot Chili Mac Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley really brightens the plate, but you can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of extra fiesta cheese, or even crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Every garnish turns up the flavor (and maybe even the smiles) at the table.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this One Pot Chili Mac Recipe is a satisfying meal all by itself, but if you want to make dinner extra-special, serve it with a crisp green salad or a side of buttery garlic bread. Cornbread is another fan-favorite—perfect for scooping up all that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your chili mac into individual ramekins and topping each with a little extra cheese before broiling until bubbly. Or, serve it “nacho-style” with tortilla chips and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. For parties, scoop it into mini cups for adorable, portable bites everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chili Mac Recipe can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, making those busy evenings even easier.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well. Just portion the mac into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to keep things creamy. Or warm larger portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until heated through and melty again. Top with more shredded cheese for an extra treat.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey and chicken are great lean substitutes and taste delicious in the One Pot Chili Mac Recipe. You might want to add a splash of olive oil, as they aren’t as fatty as beef.

Do I need to drain the Rotel or beans?

No, use the tomatoes and chili beans with all their juices—this is what helps create the saucy, flavorful base for the pasta to cook in. Not draining also keeps the One Pot Chili Mac Recipe extra moist and creamy.

What can I do if my chili mac turns out too thick?

If it’s thicker than you like, simply stir in a splash or two of water or a bit of milk until you reach your favorite consistency. It’ll still be cheesy and perfect.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! If you love some heat, add extra chili powder, toss in a few dashes of hot sauce, or top your bowl with fresh jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes for a serious kick.

Is One Pot Chili Mac Recipe kid-friendly?

Yes—it’s a hit with kids! If you want it on the milder side, use mild Rotel and cut back just a bit on the chili powder. The creamy cheese and tender pasta make it irresistible for little ones (and grown-ups, too).

Final Thoughts

Comfort food doesn’t get easier or more crowd-pleasing than this One Pot Chili Mac Recipe. With just one pot, a few everyday ingredients, and about 20 minutes, you can have a bubbling, cheesy dinner everyone will rave about. Give it a try—your weeknight menu is about to get a whole lot tastier!

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