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One Pot Chili Mac — American Pasta recipe, 25 min, serves 6American

One Pot Chili Mac

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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High protein

Hearty chili and tender macaroni cooked together. A comfort food classic that feeds a crowd.

25
min
5
prep
🔥
20
cook
👥
6
servings
430
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Brown ground beef, drain excess fat.

2

Add tomatoes, broth, beans, chili powder, cumin. Bring to boil.

3

Add macaroni, stir. Cover and simmer 12 minutes until pasta is done.

4

Stir in cheddar until melted. Serve with sour cream.

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Common Questions

How long does it take to cook one pot chili mac?
Total time is about 25 minutes, with 20 minutes of actual cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your equipment and ingredient size.
How many servings does this one pot chili mac recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings as written. You can easily scale the recipe up or down using the serving size adjuster above the ingredient list.
Can I customize the ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, the ingredient list shows possible swaps for many items. Stick to similar quantities and textures when substituting to maintain the expected result.
What can I serve with one pot chili mac?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread. Check our related recipes below for more ideas.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Zinfandel or California Cabernet — bold reds match smoke and umami.
🍺
Beer
American IPA or amber ale.
🍸
Cocktail
Old Fashioned with a bourbon base.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon or a craft root beer.
The story behind this recipe ▾
The appeal of one pot chili mac comes from the combination of familiar ingredients and a straightforward method. In the american tradition this recipe belongs to, pasta dishes are often distinguished by how well the main components are balanced rather than by complexity of technique. Here, ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes form the backbone of the flavour, supported by the remaining ingredients in the list of 8. Total timing is 25 minutes end to end — 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. The yield of 6 makes it suitable for a family-sized portion.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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