Go Back
One Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe

One Pot Chili Mac Recipe - Easy Meals To Cook

As a food enthusiast, I find joy in every meal I create. There's something special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing not just food but stories and laughter. One dish that perfectly embodies this spirit is one pot chili mac. 
It's rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. But what pairs well with it? That would be a chilled, zesty Italian pasta salad. The freshness of the salad complements the warmth of the chili mac wonderfully. 
Let’s dive into my story of crafting this delightful dish and all the culinary secrets I’ve picked up along the way.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 470
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef, preferably lean
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 8 ounces crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 pound elbow macaroni roughly 2 cups
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent. This step is crucial—it creates a fragrant base for the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
  1. Once the veggies are soft, add in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned. You want to develop some nice color here; it adds depth to the dish.
Step 3: Spice It Up
  1. Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the browned meat. Stir to coat everything as the spices bloom in the heat.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Stock
  1. Now it’s time for those crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Pour them into the pot and stir well. It should look saucy—don’t skimp on that goodness!
Step 5: Stir in the Flour
  1. Toss in the flour at this point. This will help thicken the chili mac as it cooks. Whisk it in thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Step 6: Bring It to a Boil
  1. Increase the heat to bring your mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir them in, keeping an eye on how it's cooking.
Step 7: Simmer and Cook
  1. Reduce the heat and let the pot simmer. Give it about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. You want it al dente.
Step 8: Cheesy Finish
  1. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and fold in that beautiful cheddar cheese. Let it melt in slowly, creating a luscious sauce that coats everything. Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a kick!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef: This keeps the dish lighter and prevents excessive grease.
  • Adjust the heat: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
  • Add veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers or corn for added nutrients.
  • Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varying flavors.
  • Make it creamy: For a twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving for creaminess.