One-Pot Beefy Chili Mac and Cheese

One Pot Chili Macaroni and Cheese
One Pot Beefy Chili Mac and Cheese. Photo: Diana Rattray
  • Total: 32 mins
  • Prep: 12 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yield: Serves 6

By Diana Rattray

Updated 04/04/19

 This one pot macaroni and cheese is made with lots of cheese, ground beef, and some spicy chili seasonings. Add some diced hot peppers if you like a little heat. Jalapenos or mild chile peppers may be added.

Serve this easy stovetop mac and cheese dish with a simple salad and biscuits or cornbread. 

What You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1-1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 8 ounces macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup light cream (or half and half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

How to Make It

  1.  In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is lightly browned. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.
  2. Stir the chili powder, salt, cumin, and freshly ground black pepper into the ground beef mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and tomatoes. Add the macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to ​medium low and cook, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. 
  1. Add the cream and cheese and simmer for about 2 minutes, until heated and most of the liquid has been absorbed. 
  2. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired.
  3. Serve with a salad and cornbread or biscuits.
  4. Recipe Variations

Use a cheddar jack combination of cheeses or taco seasoned cheese in the recipe.

Add about 1 cup of canned drained black beans to the dish.

Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
776 Calories
50g Fat
29g Carbs
52g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)