Print

Easy One-Pot Chili Mac Recipe for a Winning Game Day

one-pot chili mac - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy one-pot chili mac is exactly what game day cooking should be—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. One pot, 40 minutes, zero stress, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir, scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
  5. Bring to a boil, then add pasta: Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in elbow macaroni and drained beans. Reduce heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Cover pot with lid slightly ajar.
  6. Cook the pasta: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is al dente and sauce is thick.
  7. Check and adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of broth if too thick, or simmer uncovered 2-3 minutes if too thin.
  8. Add the cheese: Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover and let sit 2 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil 1-2 minutes for a browned top.
  9. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; it continues to absorb liquid after removing from heat. Toast spices in fat for deeper flavor. Use a 5-quart pot for even cooking. Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili mac, one-pot chili mac, game day recipe, easy chili mac, comfort food, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, macaroni and cheese, chili recipe

Find it online: https://morselora.com/easy-one-pot-chili-mac-recipe-for-a-winning-game-day/