Chili Mac (One-Pot Dinner)
Chili Mac (One-Pot Dinner) is the ultimate comfort food that seamlessly blends hearty chili flavors with creamy macaroni. This easy-to-make dish brings together tender elbow pasta, zesty ground beef, and a medley of spices—all cooked in one pot for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, Chili Mac delivers layers of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Customize it with your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; break apart with a spoon.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until they are translucent.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and diced tomatoes (with juices); let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in water or broth and add elbow macaroni; stir occasionally until pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils. - Enhance flavors by adding corn or bell peppers during the vegetable sauté step. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; add broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.