Chili Mac and Cheese tastes like your favourite Chili – with the added cheesy goodness of Mac & Cheese! Sensational ground beef dinner recipe that’s on the table in just over 20 minutes – and it’s all made in one pot. It’s truly fabulously delicious!
On the table in just over 20 minutes, made with beef mince, pasta, beans, canned tomatoes, everyday spices, and some kind of cheese, it’s sinfully scrumptious!
Chili Mac and Cheese
There’s plenty of food mash ups in the world. Like pizza – it seems like there is a pizza-everything: tacos, casserole, dips, soup, pie, pasta, cake.
I’m not above doing mash ups. I’ll do them when combining two recipes brings something else to the dish, rather than doing them just for the sake of being “cool” or “out there”. I’m beyond the years of playing with food for the sake of being trendy, I just want it to be tasty!
So – Chili Mac and Cheese. A cross between Chili and Mac and Cheese, all made in one pot. The sauce flavour is like beef Chilli Con Carne, with the addition of macaroni and cheesy goodness stirred into it as well as on top.
SO GOOD!!!
Yes, you can freeze Chili Mac!
Cool, then freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge then reheat in microwave until steamy, stir well. I like to sprinkle extra cheese on then pop it back in the microwave. This Chili Mac recipe freezes well because it’s a saucy, juicy version!
What goes in Chili Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you need. Nothing unusual here!
My Chili Mac is made with a homemade Chili Powder. What’s known as “Chili Powder” in the US is actually a spice mix, not just pure chili, and it varies from brand to brand. It’s not sold here in Australia, though I’ve always got a stash because I stock up when I travel to the States.
So I prefer to make my own – for consistency of flavour, no matter where you are in the world!
How to make it
Chili Mac and Cheese is completely made in one pot. Start the usual way – sautéing garlic and onion to create the flavour base – add the beef, the spices and everything else. The pasta will cook while the sauce thickens, and a mere 15 minutes later, you’ll have dinner on the table!
I love a cosy one-pot pasta like Chili Mac. It’s a firm favourite alongside Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper!), One Pot Vegetable Pasta and One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese!
I love how the macaroni sucks up all the flavour as it cooks in the sauce. And the fact that there’s only one pot to clean up is certainly a big plus!! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 onion , finely chopped
- 1 red capsicum / bell pepper , chopped
- 500g / 1 lb ground beef (mince) , I use lean
- 800g / 28 oz crushed canned tomato
- 420g / 14 oz can red kidney beans , drained
- 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also ok)
- 250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta (elbow pasta), uncooked
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, tasty cheese)
- 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro finely chopped, for garnish
Spices (Homemade Chili Powder):
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or pure chilli powder (adjust spiciness to taste) (Note 1)
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder (can sub garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute. Then add capsicum and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go.
- Once the beef turns from red to brown, add remaining ingredients except cheese. Stir, bring to simmer, then turn the heat down to medium.
- Cover and cook for 12 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente, meaning just cooked, still a tiny bit on the firm side. It should be saucy but not tons of liquid (see video).
- Turn the stove OFF but leave the pot on the stove. Stir through half the cheese – it should be a bit saucy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining cheese, put the lid back on and leave until the cheese melts – about 2 minutes (sauce will absorb further during this period).
- Sprinkle with coriander, if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Chili Mac recipe originally published October 2017. Updated October 2019 with new photos, brand new video and spruced up the writing. No change to recipe – I wouldn’t dare!
And some more handy quick-meal one pot recipes for you
Browse the One Pot recipes collection
Life of Dozer
The other day, he spent the better part of the morning buried under the blanket like this. Whether he was cold, or trying to hide (I can’t see you, so you can’t see me….)?? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
And Life of Dozer from the first time I published this recipe in 2017:
{I was in Fiji with friends at the time!} Usually when I travel, Dozer goes to stay with his “family” with a golden retriever boarder. He thunders around the house, rumbles with his friends, and generally completely forgets all about me.
Unfortunately, he’s a bit lame at the moment (nothing serious, just pulled a muscle from excessive beach craziness) so I left him with my mother for some quiet healing time.
Apparently, this is how he’s spending his day. 😢
Nagi, after a couple of zero degree nights in Alice Springs it was time for some warming comfort food. This recipe was it. Delicious with just the right amount of heat. Another family hit. Thanks!
Wahoo, that’s great to hear Roger! N x
I was reminded about this recipe from the picture of you having it for lunch. (the honey soy marinade email) I made it for supper and it was easy and delicious. Just had it for lunch and even better! I’m going to freeze the rest for a cooler day. We finally have a hot day here in B.C. Canada! Love comfort food!!! Thank you Nagi
Nagi!!! Another winner 😋😋
Seriously, I can’t keep up with all of your yummy recipes 😅
Is 92 degrees outside but I saw this recipe video on your Facebook page and I just had to make it.. Let me tell ya, it tastes amazing!!! Next time I’ll be doubling the recipe. Thank you 😊
I’m so glad you loved it Loreto, thanks so much for letting me know! N x
Hey Nagi
This looks great. Am going to attempt tonight. Could red wine substitute for the broth?
Hi Ian – beef or chicken broth will work here, wine will overpower it. N x
Just made this today and it was a deadly-delicious comfort food. Loved it!
I didn’t change much except that I didn’t make my own chili powder; it was bought (Used 2 Tablespoons) because I like a bit of spice! I didn’t have a red pepper but that didn’t seem to make a difference either except for maybe the colour. This recipe is definitely a keeper. Thank you for sharing Nagi!
It was super easy and super delicious and super cost effective! It was so good that I forgot to take a picture 🙂
Arigato, Nagi-san!!
Hi Nagi, this looks delicious! I was just wondering what size your chasseur pot is? I’ve been wanting one for a while now! Do they work ok with an electric stove? Thanks!
Hi Katrina, I use a 26cm pot – the size you go for just depends on how many people you regularly cook for (and what you want to cook). They are versatile so can be used over electric/gas/induction stoves 🙂 N x
I have been making your recipes from desserts to dinners and I love it!!! Its so great that you are Australian which makes following your recipes so much easier. This was another hit (quick, easy and so tasty).
Made this tonight…easy to make and so yummy!! All 3 boys happy in this house ❤❤👌
Which vegetable should suit most in place of beef. I am a vegetarian.
Hi Akshita, sorry I haven’t tried a vegetarian version – however I would think a mix of corn, peas, carrots, capsicum would work great! N x
Hi! I am also vegetarian and I’ve made this recipe many times for my husband who eats meat and decided to make a batch for myself and just added a can of black beans in place of the meat. Came out delicious! We love this recipe.
Hi Nagi,
This was the greatest chili Mac and cheese recipe I’ve had.
My husband and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for another great recipe.
You’re so welcome MaryAnn! N x
Hi Nagi would you be able to use mince lamb for this recipe x
Looks great other than we don’t like chunks of tomatos..could you use tomato paste or tomato sauce instead of the crushed tomatos?
Yes definitely Debbie! Enjoy! N x
Hi Nagi,
I’ve been unable to sign into to My Recipetin lately-Is that feature no longer available?
Hi Robin, it’s definitely available! Which browser are you using – and is it an old version? N x
I use Mozilla Firefox, same as before, so I’m not sure why it doesn’t work for me anymore??
Another great recipe from recipetineats! Thanks so much for all your ideas, my family is enjoying trying some new delicious dishes
My husband grew up eating (and loving) hamburger helper. He was feeling nostalgic so I decided to make this version for him. I shredded my own cheese and used a couple different varieties; I ended up using 3 8oz blocks which is likely more cheese than this recipe calls for. I also used 4 large fresh tomatoes instead of canned. I had a can of Bush’s mixed chili beans in the back of my pantry that I threw in there instead of the kidney beans and I thought it supported the flavors of the dish nicely. Really liked these mods and would make it the same way again next time. Thanks for the excellent base recipe!
Sounds great Anim!! N x
Was so delicious! I added about a cup of creamed corn that was left over from last night….was a family hit!
Sounds great Sue! N x
This was so delish!
Thanks so much Sandra! N x
The Fam loved this! Easy Friday night meal, all went back for seconds.
One of my favourite one pot recipes. So quick and delicious.
I’m so happy you love it Hannah! N x
Loved the chili mac. Used non-boiled lasagna noodles-worked great. Love all your recipes-am starting with the 15-day plan, Next up is beef enchiladas, then tuna mornay. My husband just got laid off so your recipes will feed us for quite a while. Thank you so much. Take care and be safe – Marysia