If you’re anything like me and crave comfort food that’s both hearty and fuss-free, you’re going to adore this One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of spicy chili goodness and cheesy pasta all cooked together in just one pot—making cleanup a breeze. When I first tried this combo, I was hooked instantly. Stick around, and I’ll share all the tips to help you nail this ridiculously satisfying meal every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together which means less mess and more time to relax after dinner.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates deep, comforting flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this on busy weeknights, and my family goes crazy for how cheesy and hearty it is.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting cayenne pepper, perfect whether you like it mild or with a kick.

The image shows a close-up of a round white pan filled with baked pasta. The dish has a top layer of melted golden cheese with some browned spots, sprinkled with green herbs. Underneath, tubes of reddish pasta are visible inside a thick red sauce with bits of meat. The cheese melts over the pasta, creating a bubbly and inviting texture. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, chili mac and cheese recipe, easy comfort food, cheesy chili pasta, one-pot dinner idea

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that classic chili mac and cheese flavor, but with the ease of one-pot cooking. I always keep these pantry staples handy for when I want something cozy and filling in no time.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, one whole fresh onion with white and light purple layers visible, one red bell pepper chopped into vibrant pieces, a mound of raw lean ground beef with deep red color, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl of glossy red kidney beans drained, a small white bowl holding rich brown beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni pasta arranged neatly, a small white bowl heaped with shredded yellow and orange cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, a small white bowl with finely chopped fresh green cilantro, another small white bowl containing bright red cayenne pepper powder, a small white bowl of deep orange paprika powder, a small white bowl with warm brown cumin powder, a small white bowl with pale beige onion powder, a small white bowl with dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of coarse black pepper, and a small white bowl of white salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, chili mac and cheese recipe, easy comfort food, cheesy chili pasta, one-pot dinner idea

Olive oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and adds a nice base flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives just the right punch without overpowering the dish.
Onion: I like using a finely chopped yellow onion for sweetness and texture.
Red capsicum / bell pepper: Adds color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
Ground beef: Lean is best here—it cooks down nicely without being greasy.
Crushed canned tomato: The heart of the chili base—don’t skip this for rich tomato flavor.
Red kidney beans: Rinsed and drained, they bring protein and a satisfying bite.
Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and adds depth; chicken broth works too if you prefer.
Elbow macaroni pasta: Classic choice that holds sauce well—uncooked goes straight in the pot.
Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt perfectly to create that gooey, cheesy sauce I love.
Coriander / cilantro: Freshly chopped for a vibrant finish that cuts through the richness.
Spices: Cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt all build layers of warmth and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this dish your own. Whether you want it spicier, veggie-packed, or perhaps vegetarian, there are plenty of easy swaps that work perfectly. Here’s how I like to tweak it depending on the mood or occasion.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for textured vegetable protein or extra beans and mushrooms—I tried this for a friend’s dinner party and everyone loved the hearty texture.
Extra Veggies: Adding corn, zucchini, or even spinach amps up the nutrition and color without overwhelming the classic flavor.
Spice it Up: I sometimes add chipotle powder or fresh jalapeños for a smoky heat that my spice-loving friends rave about.
Cheese Variations: Mixing in pepper jack or smoked gouda adds a fun twist on the cheesy sauce.

How to Make One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and just starting to soften. Then add the chopped red capsicum and continue cooking until the onion turns translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor, so pay attention here—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. I always make sure to brown it well, letting it turn from pink to brown—this seals in juices and adds depth to the chili base. Watch out for any big clumps sticking together; smaller pieces will cook more evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Rest and Simmer

Now it’s time for the crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni, and all the spices except the cheese. Stir everything to combine, then bring it up to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium and cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 12 minutes, keeping an eye on the pasta—you want it al dente, so it still has a little bite. This ensures it won’t get mushy once you mix in the cheese.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish Off

Turn off the stove but leave the pot on the burner—this residual heat helps the pasta finish cooking gently while preventing it from overcooking. Stir through half the shredded cheese so it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot again, and let it sit for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped coriander or cilantro on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and get ready for some serious compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Watch Pasta Doneness: Pasta cooks further after turning off the heat; stopping at al dente prevents mushiness.
Use Lean Beef: Reduces excess grease and keeps the chili mac from being oily.
Layer Cheese: Stir half through for creaminess, then melt the rest on top for that perfect cheesy crust.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Add cayenne in small amounts and taste as you go to match your heat preference.

How to Serve One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish. The bottom layer is curly pasta mixed with a red sauce containing small pieces of browned meat. On top, there is melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The bowl has a spoon resting inside. In the background, another white bowl holds more of the same pasta dish, and a clear green glass is placed nearby. The setup is on a dark cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, chili mac and cheese recipe, easy comfort food, cheesy chili pasta, one-pot dinner idea

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh coriander because it adds brightness, but I also love topping it with sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice. If you want a little crunch, crushed tortilla chips on top work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This meal is pretty filling on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies brightens things up nicely. For those chillier nights, some warm cornbread or garlic bread makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at potlucks or family dinners, I sometimes bake the chili mac and cheese in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and crushed chips to get a golden crust. It makes it feel extra special and impressive with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The chili mac thickens as it cools, so I usually add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it nice and creamy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chili mac over low heat with a little added liquid to loosen it up, stirring frequently until heated through. This helps prevent it from drying out or sticking to the pan.

FAQs

Can I make the One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with extra beans, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust seasoning as needed, and you’ll still get that rich, hearty flavor without the meat.
How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild to medium by default with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a warm hum rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, adding more for extra kick or less for mild flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?

Elbow macaroni is classic here because it holds sauce so well, but feel free to use other small pasta shapes like shells or small penne. Just monitor cooking times as some shapes cook faster or slower.
What type of cheese works best?

I find sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully and balances the spice, but mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack adds fun variations. Use what you love!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and freezes great, making it ideal for batch cooking or planned leftovers during busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe turns out every time—rich, cheesy, spicy, and comforting all in one pot. It’s quickly become my go-to when I want something satisfying without a ton of work. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the cozy vibes it brings to your table as much as my family and I do. Trust me, you’ll be making this one over and over!