One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Name: One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium sweet onion, diced small; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups Ragu® Old World Style® Traditional Pasta Sauce; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers; 1 (16 ounce) can mild chili beans, undrained; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 0.75 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (6 Servings)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, diced small
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups Ragu Old World Style Traditional Pasta Sauce
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
1 (16 ounce) can mild chili beans, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
cup shredded Cheddar cheese
cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground beef. Stir frequently, cooking until the meat is browned and crumbly, about 3 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the meat.
Stir in the chicken broth, Ragu sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili beans, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 14 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	463
Total Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	66mg
Sodium	1233mg
Total Carbohydrate	46g
Dietary Fiber	7g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	29g
Vitamin C	10mg
Calcium	161mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	633mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This delicious One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese. Its a quick and satisfying meal thats perfect for busy weeknights, all cooked in just one pot!

History and Origin

The origins of chili mac, or chili macaroni, date back to the early 20th century in the United States. Its creation is often attributed to the need for a filling, affordable dish during tough economic times. A combination of macaroni, a staple pasta, and chili, a cheap and hearty stew, resulted in a dish that became popular among working-class families. The dishs simplicity, affordability, and ability to be easily scaled made it a go-to comfort food in American households. Over time, regional variations began to appear, incorporating different spices, beans, and meats.

Regional Variations

Chili Mac is a beloved dish in many parts of the U.S., particularly in the Southwest and the Midwest, where chili itself is a regional staple. In Texas, for example, the dish may lean towards a spicier, beef-heavy chili base, while in the Midwest, it may be milder with beans added for extra bulk. The cheese component also variessome versions use cheddar for a sharp flavor, while others may incorporate Velveeta for a smoother, creamier texture. The versatility of the dish means it can be adapted to local tastes and ingredient availability.

Distinguishing Features

What sets Chili Mac apart from similar dishes like standard chili or mac and cheese is its hybrid nature. Unlike traditional chili, which is typically served with cornbread or over rice, Chili Mac incorporates pasta directly into the mix, making it a more filling and hearty meal. Compared to mac and cheese, which is often creamy and rich on its own, Chili Mac adds a layer of savory spiciness and a bolder, chili-like texture, often with beans and diced tomatoes, which gives it a unique flavor profile.

Where Its Typically Served

Chili Mac is often served in casual settings, from family dinners to backyard barbecues. It is a popular choice for feeding a crowd, especially when you need a meal thats easy to prepare and doesnt require a lot of cleanup. Its also a common dish served at potlucks, school events, and church socials, where comfort food is always a hit. You can find it on the menu of American diners, family-style restaurants, and even food trucks offering creative takes on classic dishes.

Fun Facts

The dish is often associated with college dorms and budget-friendly cooking, as it is inexpensive and easy to make in large quantities.
Chili Mac is sometimes referred to as "chili mac and cheese" in different regions of the U.S., but the basic concept remains the samecombining chili with pasta and cheese.
Some variations of Chili Mac add a topping of crispy tortilla chips for crunch, or even a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat of the chili.
The dish has also inspired numerous "one-pot" recipes, reflecting the growing trend in home cooking towards minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

FAQ about One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta types such as penne, rotini, or shells. Keep in mind that the cooking time might vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.

Yes, this dish freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.

Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it still works well in this recipe.

To make this dish spicier, you can add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or even fresh diced jalapeños or other hot peppers. You can also use spicy chili beans or diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of mild versions.

Yes, to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the chili beans with black beans or kidney beans.

Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly.

To adjust the recipe for fewer servings, you can reduce the ingredients proportionally. For example, halve the amount of beef, pasta, and broth. Keep in mind that the cooking time might also be slightly reduced.

Yes, you can use any canned pasta sauce you prefer instead of Ragu. If you choose a sauce with additional spices or herbs, it may alter the flavor of the dish slightly.

If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can use any large pot or deep skillet. Just ensure it's large enough to hold the pasta and liquid comfortably, allowing it to simmer without spilling.

Comments

mbell

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I've been searching for and cooking recipes on this site for a couple of years but have never written a review. This one pot chili mac was so good I decided to finally get around to setting up account. The only thing I changed was very minor. Used petite diced tomatoes in place of rotel (all I had on hand), added about two tablespoons chopped peppers and served cheese on side just because hubby doesn't really like it cooked in. Very quick and easy! Also delicious! Will definitely make this again!

KelC

01/03/2016 05:56:01 PM

Good basic recipe. I wanted it to taste more like chili, so I altered the spices: 2 tsp oregano, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, 1 T cumin, and 1/4 cup chili powder. Reduced the broth to 1 1/2 cup and increased pasta to 3 cups uncooked.

Gail Patrice Miles

04/13/2018 03:33:42 AM

This recipe turned out great. However, I made a few changes. Additions and Substitutions - I increased the cumin and chili powders by just a little bit more than a teaspoon and increased the macaroni to 2 cups. Then I decreased the chicken broth to 1 3/4 cups. (The other reviews were right, it makes too much juice if you add 2 cups of broth so I decreased it). I also substituted black beans for the chili beans and drained both the beans and diced tomatoes. Otherwise this is a perfect mac/cheese dish. Enjoy!!!

Iduna Stormcrow

01/03/2020 05:23:41 PM

This is Hamburger Helper before that existed. It is one pot to clean , using things in the average pantry . I substitute 1 15 oz can tomato sauce ,for the Ragu(R} sauce , put a Tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of hot chili powder because my family likes heat Cumin was at 1 1/2 teaspoon. Tasted like thin chili As per other reviews went to 2 cups pasta ,might try a little more as it was still loose. Next day leftovers firmed up.

BettyJane Callmeyer Gibney

03/04/2023 01:06:21 AM

This is a great recipe! I made a couple adjustments to suit my taste. I left out the beans, used beef broth, used Emeril's Pasta Sauce instead of Ragu, and mixed in cubed Velveeta before baking. I also added more cheese on top. I love it served with sour cream! Definite 5 stars!

Melissa Smith

07/09/2021 02:52:00 AM

I made this tonight and did it a little different since there's only 2 of us and this made a lot. I cooked the noodles separately so I could freeze the unused portions. When I made the recipe exactly how it stated all I could taste was spaghetti sauce. I ended up putting a package of McCormick chili seasoning in. Next time I would definitely not use the Ragu and instead use tomato sauce.

amyzubyck

05/02/2017 11:40:26 PM

I am afraid I have become one of THOSE reviewers, who makes a bunch of changes and then gives the recipe a less than perfect score. Just hear me out . . . Overall, a great weeknight meal option! Extremely easy to make, especially because one can prep most of the ingredients (e.g. chop the onion and garlic, shred the cheese, etc.) in advance. As for my changes: a) I used beef broth instead of chicken broth. It seemed weird to me to use chicken broth in a beef-based recipe. b) Homemade marinara sauce. The recommended Ragu option contains cheese, and in order to make this dish suitable for one particular family-member, it had to be dairy-free. c) Plain canned diced tomatoes, rather than the ones containing chilies. For one, I didn't have canned diced tomatoes containing chilies on hand. And for two, I made this recipe with a family member in mind who does not like any amount of spice in her food. d) Canned black beans, rather than chili beans, because this is what I had on hand. I also added red and green pepper chunks prior to simmering. And as for the cheese, I served it on the side. I did find the dish to be a *touch* bland, and in my experience, using diced tomatoes containing chilies and prepared pasta sauce wouldn't have changed this fact. Next time, I will add more chili powder and perhaps a fresh diced jalapeno to suit my own taste. Definitely recommended for when the cupboards are looking bare, this dish uses pantry staples and offers lots of roo

Feed my hungry family

09/12/2017 10:22:09 PM

Perfect chilly night, comfort food!! I have made this twice. The first time I followed the recipe to a T. We really enjoyed it. The second time I subbed beef broth, in place of chicken broth, cannolini beans in place of Chili beans and upped the macaroni to 2 cups, so it would be a little less soupy. My family liked it the first time and LOVED it the second time. This is a definite keeper!!

LorenWSmith

11/09/2018 07:33:29 PM

This was not good..... it was fantastic. Two of us ate ALL of it in less than two days. Two football games is all it took. I made a few adjustments: I used organic, grass fed beef I used organic tri bean medley (kidney, chili, black) I used organic chicken broth I used 1 tablespoon of chili powder not 1 teaspoon When the chili was done, I did add the remainder (like 2oz) of Ragu and another cup of chicken broth. We like our chili a little thinner and wet. This is going to be a new staple in our house because it was unbelievable how good it was.

Tina

08/07/2019 06:15:00 PM

Great hardy dish. Added diced green pepper with the garlic and onion. Did not have any green chilies used 3 jalapeño peppers, the entire jar of spaghetti/pasta sauce, added 3 fresh diced tomatoes and a can of drain sweet corn the last 5 minutes before being done

ConkyJoe

08/13/2017 04:41:49 PM

Super easy and requires minimal time while cooking. Altered this slightly to give it some heat. Used (i) Ro Tel Chili Fixin's Seasoned Diced Tomatos with Green Chillies, (ii) Bush's Chili Beans (Pinto Beans in Medium Chili Sauce), and (iii) substituted Chili Seasoning Mix II from this site for chili powder. This would be too spicy for some but perfect for us. This dish turned out better than expected, and placed in the rotation folder.

Joseph Radlinger

09/06/2025 12:24:46 AM

Wonderful and delightful with the autumn coming on. :-)

Steven Scott

05/10/2025 02:31:51 AM

Made it once — already a staple.

Betty Rivera

04/17/2025 02:24:51 AM

OMG this is AMAZING! 😍

CyanPot2419

02/14/2025 10:08:08 PM

I just made this one. We love it and already wants me to make again.

HD isfun

01/06/2025 11:42:18 PM

Easy to make and tastes great

StrongCane9394

11/18/2024 02:49:49 AM

Great recipe with tweaks. I upped the chili powder to a table spoon. Added a tsp of paprika. Tripled the cheese. Feels more to the spirit of a chili mac n cheese. Good call on pulling the noodles at el dente. I left it a bit longer and they got a bit to soft. Good liquid ratio's. The consistency was good.

Rezzy

07/22/2024 10:11:23 PM

Absolutely delicious! But then again. I love any Mac & Cheese and anything spicy.

Endlalicia

06/06/2024 02:45:12 AM

Wanted something fast and easy.

Paul

05/04/2024 02:25:15 PM

I used less broth as others have recommended and maybe a third more macaroni than it called for. I also had ground venison as half the meat. Other than that, followed it and it was really good and easy too. Highly recommend

Cook Time: 15 minutes