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Home » Back to School » One-Pot Chili Mac

One-Pot Chili Mac

Published: Oct 20, 2019 · Modified: Feb 14, 2020 by Ashley Lecker · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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All the favors of a chili cooked slow and low, but adapted to be weeknight friendly! Pasta, lean ground beef, tomatoes beans, seasoning. cheese, and sour cream make a meal perfect for a chilly night, or a game day gathering!

chili mac in a bowl

We love chili in our house, and during the winter and fall some variation in on our menu at least a few times per month. My kiddos love pasta with their chili, and I knew I needed to create a- pasta rich- weeknight friendly recipe for one of our favorite meals.

My chili mac is so delicious, and it is even better than you though because it uses only ONE pot. There is nothing that makes my busy weeknights better than less dishes piled in my sink! This is also true for me when it come to entertaining during a Packer game- this meal is great for a minimal fuss meal plan.

My Chili Mac is packed with lean ground beef, tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta, chili beans, kidney beans, cheese, and sour cream. It is so yummy and one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.

chili mac in a bowl

Looking for more recipes for game day or to warm you as things get colder?!

Game Day Chili Recipes

  • 6 Can Chili by Our Good Life
  • Chili Con Carne with Chocolate by That Recipe
  • Classic Chili with Beans by Sweet Beginnings
  • Easy Book Club Chili by Art of Natural Living
  • One-Pot Chili Mac by Cheese Curd In Paradise
  • Roasted Garlic Turkey Chili by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Chili by Karen's Kitchen Stories


We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

chili mac in a bowl

What do you need to make One-Pot Chili Mac?

  • Ground beef or turkey
  • Pasta
  • Chili Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Beef Broth
  • Chili Powder and Garlic Powder
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Heavy Bottom Pot

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta can I use?

I like to use a large elbow noodle for this dish. I regular size will work as well. I avoid smaller pasta types because they will breakdown in cooking.

Can I use just chili beans or leave the beans out?

I love beans in chili, but if you are not a fan you can leave them our or substitute them as needed.

I do not like spicy- it there a lot of heat in this dish?

No, this is very mild. If you happen to be on the opposite side and like spice you can add a little diced jalapeno.

chili mac in a bowl

Looking for even more delicious chili recipes!?

The Best Meaty Chili

Weeknight White Chicken Chili

Beef, Chorizo, and Bean Taco Chili

chili mac in a bowl
chili mac in a bowl

One-Pot Chili Mac

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 ½ lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 16 oz can mild or medium chili beans
  • 16 oz can light kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 Tbl chili powder
  • 1 Tbl garlic powder
  • 8 oz shaped uncooked pasta
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • sour cream and cheese, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a medium to large pot, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease and add remaining ingredients besides the pasta.  Lightly simmer for 5 minutes. 
  • Stir in the pasta, cover and cook till pasta is tender stirring a few times to avoid sticking while the pasta cooks. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 
  • Serve immediately. Top portions with sour cream and grated cheese. 
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!
chili mac in a bowl

This post was originally created in 2015, and updated in 2019 for reader enhancement and recipe updating.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.

« Michael Myer's Pumpkin Cupcakes
Slow Cooker Taco Chili »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy Klik

    October 20, 2019 at 7:22 am

    We love chili mac too and usually only enjoy it if I have leftover chili. Now I can just make it any night of the week. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  2. Karen

    October 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    I'm a huge fan of chili mac. Yours looks amazing. I love that you can just add the uncooked macaroni into the pot!

    Reply
  3. Audrey

    October 21, 2019 at 9:40 am

    I don't think I have ever made this for my son, now 11. He is going to love it. And if he doesn't, I will eat it all. MMMM!

    Reply
  4. Emmeline

    October 22, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    This looks so delicious & comforting! Saving to whip up next time I'm craving something warm & cosy.

    Reply
  5. Leslie

    October 22, 2019 at 8:40 pm

    Ok, I have got to try this! We LOVE chili and we LOVE macaroni! This just looks fantastic!

    Reply
  6. Catherine

    October 23, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious and so comforting for the cooler weather. This is a great idea for leftover chili!

    Reply
  7. Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng

    October 24, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    I have never ever had chili mac. Looks like perfect comfort food to me!

    Reply
  8. Lisa Kerhin

    October 29, 2019 at 7:24 am

    We love chili mac and I always have to add more heat to a portion for some family members. Love the one pot!

    Reply
  9. Sue Lau

    October 29, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    I used to make something like this all the time. I need to break out that chili pot again---

    Reply
  10. Liz @ Books n' Cooks

    October 30, 2019 at 11:19 am

    You had me at one-pot 🙂
    We do a lot of chili too but the kids aren't huge fans. I wonder if they'd like this better, with less spice and pasta. Adding to my to-make list!

    Reply
  11. Ellen

    November 17, 2019 at 9:44 am

    Pure comfort food. Especially on a cold day!

    Reply
  12. Christie

    December 30, 2019 at 9:27 am

    Chili mac is something we grew up on! I love the one pot-ness of this recipe. Adding it to the must make list.

    Reply

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Hi, I am Ashley. I am a busy mom and wife working to make family, food, and life an adventure!

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