One pot meals are a lifesaver for busy families, and this chili mac and cheese is no exception. Serve it up with a side salad for a complete meal that’s ready in a flash.
One pot dishes are the perfect solution for busy weeknight meals for a few reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s no need to worry about multiple pots and pans, which means less time spent cooking and cleaning up in the kitchen. This makes one pot meals an ideal option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Another great thing about one pot dishes is that they are versatile. You can use a wide range of ingredients to make a one pot meal, which means you can easily tailor them to your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a protein-packed meal, or something in between, there’s a one pot dish that will fit the bill. 
In addition to being easy and versatile, one pot dishes are also incredibly tasty. The flavors of the different ingredients meld together as they cook, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. And since one pot dishes are so easy to make, you can even involve your family in the cooking process, which can be a fun and bonding experience.
One pot dishes are the perfect solution for busy weeknight meals. They are easy to make, versatile, and incredibly tasty, making them a great option for families who want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
This delicious dish is packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and ooey-gooey cheese for a meal that’s ready in just minutes. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, clean up is a breeze!
To make this tasty dish, simply brown the ground beef in a deep sided skillet and add in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and broth. Let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, and then stir in cheese at the end for a yummy and cheesy finish. Your family will love this mouthwatering meal, and it’s so simple to make that even your little ones can help out in the kitchen.
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One-Pot Meal: Chili Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese in one pot? Yes, please! This easy weeknight dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs (454 g) ground beef
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) chopped onion
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 2.5 cups (592 ml) chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces (227 g) shell pasta
- 1 can (411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (227 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (474 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onion, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt in a large skillet.
- Add broth, pasta, and diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Cook for 12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted and a sauce forms.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or lentils.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 70
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta in this chili mac and cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the macaroni with other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used for its melting properties, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the chili mac and cheese?
Absolutely! You can incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
