Easy One Pot Chili Mac Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinner

Introduction

This easy one pot chili mac recipe is a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners. It combines the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of chili, all in one convenient pot. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup. With this recipe, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in no time, using everyday ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a stress-free dinner solution that’s both flavorful and fun.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is key, with the sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory flavor of the ground beef, and the creaminess of the cheese all working together in harmony. Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible and likely already on hand, making it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
• The ease of preparation is another major advantage of this recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hot, satisfying meal on the table in no time. The one pot method also means less cleanup, which is a bonus for anyone who hates spending hours in the kitchen after dinner.
• Despite the simplicity of this recipe, the results are impressive. The combination of macaroni, ground beef, and cheese is a classic comfort food combination that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And with the addition of some diced veggies, you can feel good about serving a nutritious meal that’s also delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika and cook for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Add the cherry tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until it’s well coated with the chili sauce.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Step 8: Serve the chili mac hot, topped with your choice of jalapenos, sour cream, and cilantro.

Handy Tips

• To add some extra heat to your chili mac, you can add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• To make this recipe more substantial, you can add some cooked ground turkey, diced ham, or roasted vegetables to the pot.

Heat Control

The heat level in this recipe is adjustable to your taste. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapenos. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder or include some diced hot peppers. The key is to taste the chili as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the diced vegetables and the texture of the macaroni. To add some extra crunch, you can top the chili mac with some crushed tortilla chips, crispy bacon, or chopped fresh cilantro.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy, it’s essential to cook it al dente and then drain it well before adding it to the chili sauce.
• To add some extra depth of flavor to the chili, you can brown the ground beef in a little bit of oil before adding the aromatics and spices.
• To make this recipe more efficient, you can cook the macaroni and chili sauce simultaneously, using two separate pots.

Storage Tips

• The chili mac can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or simmer the chili mac until it’s hot and bubbly.
• To freeze the chili mac, it’s best to portion it out into individual servings and then freeze each serving separately. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
• When reheating the chili mac, you can add a little bit of water or broth to thin out the sauce if it’s become too thick.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This chili mac recipe is perfect for gift giving, especially during the holidays or for a potluck dinner. To package the chili mac as a gift, you can transfer it to a decorative ceramic bowl or a mason jar and top it with some crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro. You can also include some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

• To add some smoky flavor to the chili mac, you can include some diced bacon or cooked sausage.
• To give the chili mac a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
• To make the chili mac more substantial, you can add some cooked ground turkey, diced ham, or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting

• If the chili mac becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or broth.
• If the chili mac is too spicy, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapenos.
• If the macaroni becomes mushy, it’s likely because it was overcooked. To prevent this, make sure to cook the macaroni al dente and then drain it well before adding it to the chili sauce.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the chili mac can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, portion out the chili mac into individual servings and then freeze each serving separately.
• Is it gluten-free? The chili mac recipe includes macaroni, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you need to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This easy one pot chili mac recipe is a staple for any weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, and can be customized to your taste with your choice of toppings and ingredients. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a stress-free dinner solution that’s also nutritious and flavorful. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the hassle of complicated recipes or multiple pots and pans.