Think Spicy, Saucy Chili Meets Creamy, Cheesy Mac and Cheese
It’s hard to beat this One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese! Imagine a spicy, saucy chili base combined with the creamy, melty goodness of mac and cheese – all made in a single pot. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy, and the best part? It comes together in under an hour.
A Match Made in Comfort Food Heaven
I’m a firm believer that chili and mac and cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven. The spice and richness of the chili pairs so perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta. And when you bring the two together in one delectable dish, it’s nothing short of a culinary masterpiece.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – how in the world do you combine these two beloved dishes without making a complete mess? That’s where the magic of a one-pot meal comes in. By cooking everything together in a single pot, you get to enjoy all the flavors melding together into one harmonious bite. No need to dirty up extra dishes or worry about coordinating multiple cooking steps. It’s a true one-and-done situation.
An Irresistible Blend of Flavors
This Chili Mac starts with a base of spicy, seasoned ground beef, simmered with onions, peppers, and a hint of heat from hot sauce. The beef chili is then mixed with creamy, melty cheeses like cheddar and Colby jack, creating a queso-like sauce that coats every nook and cranny of the elbow macaroni.
The final result is an irresistible blend of flavors – the smokiness of the chili powder, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the cheese, and the comforting heartiness of the pasta. It’s pure bliss in a bowl, perfect for warming you up on a chilly night.
The Easiest One-Pot Meal
One of the best things about this recipe is just how easy it is to make. With minimal prep and a single pot, you can have a full, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. Here’s how it all comes together:
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Start by browning the ground beef with some onions and peppers. Add in the spices – chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a nice kick.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Let everything simmer until the pasta is tender, making sure to stir frequently so nothing sticks.
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Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time for the cheese! Stir in some cream cheese and shredded Colby jack and cheddar cheeses. The cheese melts right into the chili, creating a luscious, queso-like sauce.
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Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions, and you’re ready to dive in! The whole dish comes together in one pot, with minimal dishes to clean up afterwards. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
A Versatile and Customizable Comfort Classic
What I love most about this Chili Mac and Cheese is just how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and what you have on hand. Switch up the type of ground meat, use different kinds of beans, or add in your favorite veggies. There’s no right or wrong way to make it – the beauty is in the endless possibilities.
And let’s not forget about the cheese! I used a blend of cheddar and Colby jack, but you could easily swap in pepper jack, Monterey jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend. The more cheese, the merrier, I always say.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal for two, this One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s hearty, flavor-packed, and so incredibly simple to make. Truly, a winning combination all around.
So the next time you’re craving that ultimate comfort food mashup, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this Chili Mac. Your taste buds (and your future self with minimal dishes to clean up) will thank you. Enjoy!
