Name: Unleash Incredible Chili Mac and Cheese in One Pot
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, extra shredded cheese

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Oh, hello there! There’s just something magical about those dishes that instantly transport you back to childhood, isn’t there? For me, it’s often a warm, hearty bowl of something comforting. And when you can combine two absolute classics into one incredible meal? That’s pure kitchen genius!

That’s exactly how I feel about this Chili Mac and Cheese. It’s truly the best of both worlds. Imagine that rich, savory chili goodness meeting creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a little extra comfort.

I remember my grandma, bless her heart, always had a way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. She taught me that food is love. This recipe? It captures that feeling perfectly. It’s simple, delicious, and brings everyone to the table with happy smiles.

Here at 911Recipes, we’re all about making life easier and tastier. This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe does just that. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy steps to create something truly unforgettable. So, let’s dive in and make some delicious memories!

Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac and Cheese

I truly believe this Chili Mac and Cheese will become a fast favorite in your home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution to those busy weeknights. I love how it brings big flavors without all the fuss. Here’s why I think you’ll adore it too:

Super Easy: This recipe is designed for real life.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time for you.
Flavor Explosion: It perfectly blends two comfort food titans.
Hearty & Filling: It’s a complete meal that satisfies everyone.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Customizable: Adjust the spice or toppings to your liking.

The Comfort of One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing quite like a one-pot meal, is there? For a busy cook like me, it’s a lifesaver. This Chili Mac and Cheese cooks all in one pot. That means fewer dishes to wash later. It also lets those amazing flavors meld together. It makes for a truly comforting and easy dinner.

Everything You Need for Delicious Chili Mac and Cheese

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any great meal. I always make sure I have everything ready. This makes cooking flow so much smoother. For this amazing Chili Mac and Cheese, you’ll need some pantry staples. A few fresh items will round it out perfectly. Here is my go-to list:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, extra shredded cheese

Essential Chili Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Having the right ingredients makes all the difference. For our Chili Mac and Cheese, I always use good quality ground beef or turkey. A fresh onion and garlic add so much flavor. Don’t forget those essential spices like chili powder and cumin. They really make the chili sing!

How to Make Amazing Chili Mac and Cheese

Now for the fun part: making this incredible Chili Mac and Cheese! I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps. You’ll have a hearty, delicious meal ready in no time. I always find cooking so rewarding. Especially when it’s something this tasty.

Step-by-Step Chili Mac and Cheese Preparation

First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. I love mine for one-pot meals! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it up with a spoon. Then, drain any extra fat. This keeps our Chili Mac and Cheese from being greasy. Stir in your chopped onion. Let it cook until it softens, about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute. It should smell wonderfully fragrant now!

Simmering and Combining Your Chili Mac and Cheese

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes. Don’t drain them! Add the kidney beans. Make sure they are rinsed and drained first. Then, add the tomato sauce. Now, for the spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like a little kick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors meld together. It’s truly magical. Then, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Add the chicken or beef broth and the milk. Bring it all to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. The macaroni should be tender. Most of the liquid will be absorbed. Remember to stir it now and then. This stops it from sticking to the bottom.

Finishing Touches for Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese

Once your macaroni is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Now for the best part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the Monterey Jack cheese too. Keep stirring until it’s all melted. It should be wonderfully creamy and smooth. This is what makes our Chili Mac and Cheese so rich. Serve it hot! You can add some sour cream. Green onions or extra cheese are great too. If it gets too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth. This helps reach your perfect consistency. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Perfect Chili Mac and Cheese Every Time

I’ve made this Chili Mac and Cheese countless times. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. These tips will help you get perfect results. You’ll love how easy it is to customize this dish too!

Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Keep an eye on it! It should be tender, not mushy.
Stir Often: This prevents sticking, especially when the macaroni is cooking.
Adjust Spice: Love heat? Add more cayenne. Prefer mild? Skip it.
Cheese Matters: Use good quality cheese. It melts better and tastes richer.
Leftover Chili Hack: If you use pre-made chili, skip steps 1-3. Just add about 4-5 cups of your favorite chili. Then add the macaroni and liquids. It’s a fantastic shortcut!
Consistency Control: If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If it’s a bit thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Common Questions About Chili Mac and Cheese

I often get asked some great questions about this Chili Mac and Cheese recipe. It shows how much people love making it their own! Here are some common things folks wonder about. I hope these answers help you feel even more confident in the kitchen. Cooking should be fun and easy, right?

Can I Use Leftover Chili for This Chili Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely, yes! Using leftover chili is a fantastic shortcut. It saves so much time. Just skip the first few steps where you cook the meat and spices. Instead, add about 4 to 5 cups of your favorite pre-made chili directly to the pot. Then, stir in the macaroni, broth, and milk. Pick up the recipe from there. It’s a perfect way to repurpose leftovers.

How to Store Leftover Chili Mac and Cheese

Storing your leftover Chili Mac and Cheese is super easy. Let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave. Or, gently warm it on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. This brings back that creamy texture.

Estimated Chili Mac and Cheese Nutritional Information

I know many of you like to keep an eye on nutrition. This Chili Mac and Cheese is hearty and satisfying. Here’s an estimated look at its nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 7g

Please remember, these values are estimates. They can change based on the brands you use. The specific ingredients also play a role. It’s always good to keep that in mind.

Share Your Chili Mac and Cheese Experience

I truly hope you loved making this Chili Mac and Cheese! It brings so much warmth to our kitchen. Did you add any fun toppings? Or maybe a secret ingredient? I’d love to hear about it! Please share your cooking experience in the comments below. You can also rate the recipe. Or, share your delicious creation on social media. Let’s build our 911Recipes family together!