One-Pot Chili Mac: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Comfort Food Recipe
Imagine tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and an abundance of extra gooey cheese, all united in one incredibly satisfying dish. This One-Pot Chili Mac is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, brimming with bold, hearty flavors and the incredible convenience of coming together in a single skillet. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hello to an effortless weeknight dinner solution that the whole family will adore.
There are days when the weather just dictates your mood. Today, the skies are heavy and grey, cloaked in a perpetual twilight that makes a typical autumn morning feel more like deep evening. The humidity hangs thick in the air, accompanied by a steady, gentle rain that encourages nothing more than staying indoors. On such days, productivity often takes a backseat to the comforting allure of a warm blanket, a good show, and the promise of a truly satisfying meal. This kind of weather doesn’t just invite relaxation; it positively demands a dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly comforting to eat. That’s precisely where our One-Pot Chili Mac shines.
While the thought of cozying up with a good series and perhaps dreaming of a different era with exquisite attire is tempting, the real star of a gloomy day is undoubtedly a delicious, fuss-free meal. This isn’t the day for complicated recipes or extensive kitchen cleanup. It’s the day for ingenious culinary solutions, like a robust One-Pot Chili Mac, that transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary without the extra work. This dish embodies everything a perfect weeknight meal should be: incredibly easy to assemble, utilizes readily accessible ingredients, delivers huge, crave-worthy flavors, and—perhaps most importantly—requires minimal cleanup. It’s a true game-changer for busy families and anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
The magic of this One-Pot Chili Mac lies in its brilliant simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine rich, savory ground beef infused with classic chili spices, combined with al dente macaroni pasta, all swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Every spoonful offers a delightful mix of tender meat, a slight kick from the chili and bell peppers, and that undeniably comforting stretch of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate fusion of hearty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese, elevated by the convenience of a single cooking vessel. This easy chili mac recipe means you spend less time scrubbing pots and more time savoring every delicious bite.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the power duo: carbs and cheese. Is there a more universally beloved and satisfying combination? We think not! The pasta provides that comforting carbohydrate base, soaking up all the incredible chili flavors, while the generous addition of shredded cheddar cheese melts into an unctuous, gooey blanket, binding everything together in pure perfection. This isn’t just food; it’s pure comfort in a bowl, designed to warm you from the inside out and bring a smile to your face, no matter what the weather outside is doing.
This homemade chili mac isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience of effortless indulgence. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday, a hectic Tuesday evening, or any moment you crave a flavorful, filling meal without the culinary acrobatics. It’s versatile too; feel free to adjust the spice level to your family’s preference by adding more jalapeño or red pepper flakes, or toning it down for younger palates. The beauty of a one-pot meal is not just the minimal cleanup but also how all the flavors get to meld and deepen together, creating a taste profile that is richer and more complex than you might expect from such a simple dish.
Embrace the comfort, embrace the flavor, and most importantly, embrace the ease. This hearty ground beef pasta dish will quickly become a staple in your weeknight rotation. It’s quick, it’s comforting, and it delivers on taste every single time. So, go ahead, treat yourself to the best One-Pot Chili Mac you’ve ever had. You deserve this kind of delicious simplicity!
Ready to dive into this bowl of cheesy, meaty, pasta perfection? Let’s get cooking!
One-Pot Chili Mac: Your New Favorite Easy Skillet Dinner
Experience the ultimate in weeknight comfort with this easy One-Pot Chili Mac! Featuring tender, seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni pasta, and a generous layer of gooey, melted cheddar cheese, all simmered together in one skillet. This simple recipe delivers bold, rich flavors and minimal cleanup, making it the perfect family-friendly meal for any busy evening. Get ready for a delicious, hearty dish that combines the best of chili with classic mac and cheese.
Yield: 4 generous servings
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients for this Delicious Chili Mac:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (adds freshness and color)
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (essential for rich flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for an extra kick, optional)
- 1 and 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (the base for our chili)
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (like Rotel, for added flavor and heat)
- 2 cups chicken stock (or beef broth for deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (the heart of our chili seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (for earthy warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and a smoky aroma)
- 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta (elbow macaroni works perfectly)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for that irresistible gooey factor)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for topping (for freshness and garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for One-Pot Chili Mac:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the canola oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become tender, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it browns. Continue cooking for about 10-12 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan for a healthier dish.
- Simmer the Chili Base and Cook Pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with chilies, and chicken stock. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the dried macaroni pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12-13 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to an al dente texture and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese and Serve: Turn off the heat. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted, creating a creamy, luscious sauce that coats the pasta and beef. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this incredible one-pot comfort meal!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess. This recipe is inspired by classic comfort food, adapted for modern convenience.