Hearty One-Pot Comfort Food

This hearty Chili Mac and Cheese combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you'll have a satisfying meal that brings together the best of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick that would please everyone at the table. It's since become our go-to meal when we want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Extra lean ground beef provides protein without excess fat making this dish hearty but not greasy
• Onion and garlic create an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors
• Cayenne pepper cumin and chili powder form the perfect spice blend that gives this dish its chili identity
• Black beans and kidney beans add texture fiber and make the dish more substantial
• Diced tomatoes provide acidity and a chunky texture that complements the beans
• Chicken broth creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta absorbing into every bite
• Elbow pasta cooks directly in the sauce absorbing all the delicious flavors
• Cheddar cheese melts beautifully creating that classic mac and cheese creaminess
• Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium high heat then add the ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no longer pink about 5 minutes If using regular ground beef drain excess fat after browning

Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef stirring frequently for about 3 minutes until onions become translucent and garlic becomes fragrant This builds the flavor foundation for your dish

Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in all the spices cayenne pepper cumin chili powder salt and pepper stirring to coat the meat and onion mixture evenly allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their aromas about 30 seconds

Create the Base

Add the beans tomatoes broth and uncooked pasta to the pot stirring well to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the pasta is submerged in the liquid This allows the pasta to cook while absorbing all the delicious flavors

Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer cover the pot and cook for 9 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite

Add the Cheese

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar until it melts completely into the sauce then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top Cover for about 1 minute to melt the top layer creating that irresistible cheesy finish

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness then serve immediately while hot and bubbly for the best cheesy experience

Save Pin

The kidney beans are actually my favorite component in this dish. They add such a wonderful texture and earthiness that complements the spices perfectly. My daughter initially picked them out but now requests extra beans after I challenged her to try them with a bite of cheese and pasta together.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating add a splash of broth or water as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. For longer storage freeze in portion sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible and adaptable based on what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option. Any short pasta shape can replace the elbow macaroni shells penne or rotini all work well. For the beans try pinto beans white beans or chickpeas based on preference. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version just add more beans or plant based ground meat alternative to keep it protein rich.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete comfort food experience pair with buttery garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Top individual portions with sliced avocado sour cream green onions or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. For feeding a crowd set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own bowls.

Adjusting the Spice Level

This recipe creates a moderately spiced dish that most family members will enjoy. For younger children or those sensitive to heat reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder. For spice enthusiasts add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the onions. Another great option is to serve hot sauce or red pepper flakes at the table so everyone can adjust to their preference. The beauty of this dish is how easily it adapts to your family's spice tolerance.

Save Pin

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of beans in this dish?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for black beans and kidney beans, you can substitute with pinto beans, white beans, or any beans you prefer. You can also use just one type of bean if you don't have both varieties on hand. Just make sure to maintain the same total quantity (about 2 cups) for the right balance of ingredients.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and substitute with an additional cup of beans, a cup of textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a plant-based ground beef alternative. You'll also need to use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Add a bit more olive oil when sautéing the onions and garlic to compensate for the lost fat from the meat.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

→ What can I serve with Chili Mac and Cheese?

This is essentially a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. For a fun presentation, serve with tortilla chips, sliced avocado, or additional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

The recipe as written has a mild to medium heat level. To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños, chipotles in adobo sauce, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust to their preference.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar gives the classic flavor, you can experiment with combinations like Monterey Jack for meltability, pepper jack for extra spice, or a Mexican cheese blend. For extra creaminess, consider adding a little cream cheese or American cheese. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best texture.