One Pot Chili Mac Recipe

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This One Pot Chili Mac recipe combines two beloved comfort classics: Chili and Pasta. Using mostly ingredients from the pantry, this meal is quick, easy, and ultra satisfying!

A spoonful of chili mac

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Chili Mac, mac, mac, all dressed in black, black, black…

Every time I hear the term”Chili Mac” that’s the first thing that pops into my head.

“Why Michelle?”, you may find yourself asking.

Well, it’s because I’m alone with a toddler all day. And we like to make our own fun around here.

Send help, please.

But let’s get serious.  We’re going to take a few moments to talk about my best friend, One Pot Chili Mac.

Why do we love this One Pot Chili Mac Recipe so much?

Let me count the ways…

First off, it’s just that darn tasty.  It’s a big ol’ bowl of comfort, spice, heartiness, and everything scrumptious in between.

It has never not tasted delicious in my experience, and it’s always a hit with the family.  There’s nothing fancy about it. Nothing complex. Chili Mac is just a down to Earth, simple kinda gal.

The second reason why we love this recipe so much is that it’s crazy fast and easy.

We have already established the fact that this recipe is #delish,  but what if I told you this meal takes less than an hour to make?

And it’s one pot?

ANNNNNNDDDDDD all the ingredients are things you have in the pantry and freezer?

WHAT IN THE WHAT?! Michelle, you cray!

A little, but I’m super, duper serious about this one.  

This recipe is a great one to keep on hand at all times, especially when life gets crazy or if a previous meal plan just doesn’t work out.

Speaking of craziness, this week we are starting potty training with Miss D.  I wouldn’t say I’m nervous yet, but if you have a toddler, you know it’s their world and we just live in it. Soooo, check in with me at the end of the week.

Also, remind me to add wine and peanut butter cups to my next Target order…

a bowl of chili mac topped with shredded cheese

ANYWAY, with that craziness going on in my household, you best believe this recipe is coming to my rescue. I can throw it together over the weekend and serve it later or I can whip it up during nap time!

The last great thing about this recipe is it does use a shortcut ingredient–the premade chili seasoning.  Of course, you can make your own chili seasoning blend or use a low sodium option if it’s available*

Truthfully, I just love how easy these premade packets are and I do love the time it saves me.

With that being said, during the browning stage of the recipe, I still season the meat with chili powder and garlic powder first, and then I add the seasoning packet when all the tomatoes, beans and stock are in the pot.  My mom always makes her chili and taco meat this way, and honestly, her chili is the best darn chili I’ve ever eaten. So I make it how my mama makes it.

*Low sodium seasoning--If you’re using premade chili seasoning, feel free to use the low sodium option. It’s fantastic. Just make sure to taste the chili before serving to make sure the seasoning is to your liking. 

Can I make One Pot Chili Mac ahead of time?

You sure can!

You’ll want to prepare the recipe as usual right up until adding the macaroni. 

Once you’ve added all your ingredients (except the macaroni) you can transfer the pot to the fridge or put in containers to stick in the freezer.  Make sure the mixture is cooled before popping in the fridge or freezer.

When you’re ready to use the Chili Mac, reheat on the stovetop and bring mixture to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until macaroni is tender–about 15 min. Add additional water or chicken stock if chili is too thick.

If you choose to freeze the chili, make a double batch and have a couple meals ready for heating later!  Your future self will thank you later.

What to serve with Chili Mac

  • Shredded cheddar cheese OR pepper jack would be delish
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado and cilantro
  • Corn chips
A bowl of chili mac sitting on a board next to a big green pot.

Variations and Mix Ins

  • Sweet corn (canned, fresh or frozen is fine)
  • Diced bell peppers or jalapenos.  Cook them with the meat and onions!
  • Switch up your beans–canned kidney or black or pinto (or a combo of all three!)
  • Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles instead of the beef!
  • You can make Chili Mac and Cheese by stirring 2 cups of shredded cheddar directly into the pot  OR if you have leftover mac and cheese, stir that into the chili too!
  • Make a Chili Mac Casserole–Prepare the recipe as stated, transfer the chili mac to a baking dish and sprinkle melted cheese over the top. Pop in the oven and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and browned!

How to make Easy One Pot Chili Mac

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1lb of ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2x 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes (fire roasted or not)
  • 1 15oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 packets (1.25 oz each) of your favorite chili seasoning
  • 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over med high and add in onions. Cook until softened. Add ground meat. Season with chili powder and garlic powder. Continue cooking until meat is browned and cooked through.

Add in the tomatoes with their juices, beans, chicken stock and chili seasoning. 

Stir and bring to a boil. Add in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook until tender, about 15 min, stirring often to prevent sticking.  If you find your chili is drying up as the macaroni cooks, add a little more water.

Remove from heat and serve with a generous heap of grated cheddar cheese.

You may also like these other easy dinners

Easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Click here for other meal ideas from Barefoot In The Pines and follow my boards on Pinterest!

A spoonful of chili mac

Easy One Pot Chili Mac

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

A combination of spicy chili and hearty elbow macaroni. This is the ultimate comfort food dish that only dirties one pot and is ready in less than an hour!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1lb of ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes (fire roasted or not)
  • 1 15oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 packets (1.25 oz each) of your favorite chili seasoning
  • 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
  • Grated cheddar cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over med high heat and add in onions. Cook until softened.
  2. Add the ground meat. Season with chili powder and garlic powder. Continue cooking until meat is browned and cooked through.
  3. Add in the tomatoes with their juices, beans, chicken stock, and premade chili seasoning. 
  4. Stir and bring to a boil.
  5. Add in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook until tender-about 15 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking.  If you find your chili is drying up as the macaroni cooks, add a little more water.
  6. Remove from heat and serve with a generous heap of grated cheddar cheese.

Notes

If using low sodium chili seasoning, taste chili before serving and add salt if needed

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 770Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 199mgSodium: 965mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 7gSugar: 7gProtein: 61g

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9 Comments

  1. Looks delicious and I love anything made in one pot! My husband loves noodles in his chili so I can’t wait to try this one!

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