Revisit a beloved childhood classic with this ultimate One-Pan Chili Mac recipe. Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, robust beans, and a symphony of chili spices in one convenient pot. It’s the quintessential comfort food that promises a delightful meal for the whole family with minimal cleanup.
If you’re a fan of this incredible Chili Mac, you’ll also adore our Hamburger Soup for another comforting and easy meal!
The Ultimate One-Pan Chili Mac: A Family Favorite Comfort Food
There’s something uniquely comforting about a dish that takes you straight back to your childhood kitchen. For many, Chili Mac holds that special place. It’s a culinary hug, a warm embrace of flavors that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. While trends might come and go, the timeless appeal of a classic Chili Mac remains unwavering.
I must confess, when I initially shared this Chili Mac recipe in 2015, it began as a “lighter” interpretation. However, as often happens, my love for good, old-fashioned comfort food tends to win out. And honestly, who can resist the rich, savory depth of a truly satisfying meal? While January often brings resolutions for healthier eating, sometimes what we truly crave is the hearty warmth of a dish that feels like home.
The beauty of this particular Chili Mac is that it strikes a wonderful balance. Despite being the epitome of comfort food, it’s surprisingly well-rounded. Each serving comes in at under 550 calories, making it a surprisingly sensible choice for a delicious dinner. Plus, the convenience factor is unparalleled: this entire meal comes together in just one pan. That means significantly less cleanup, which is always a win on busy weeknights. It’s a dish that genuinely pleases everyone at the table, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning adults.
Why This One-Pan Chili Mac Will Become Your Go-To Meal
In a world full of complex recipes and endless washing up, this One-Pan Chili Mac stands out for its simplicity and undeniable appeal. Here’s why it’s a must-add to your regular meal rotation:
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: The biggest advantage is that the entire meal, from browning the beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, happens in a single pot or Dutch oven. This drastically reduces your time spent on cleanup, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Nostalgic Comfort: This dish truly embodies the spirit of classic American comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, evoking warm memories with every bite.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The combination of savory ground beef, cheesy pasta, and mild chili flavors is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s an excellent way to get a balanced meal on the table that everyone will happily devour.
- Quick & Convenient: With just a few simple steps, you can have a piping hot, homemade meal ready in less than an hour. Perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples and affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned goods, this Chili Mac is a smart choice for economical meal planning.
- Customizable Flavors: While the classic recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chili Mac
Creating the best One-Pan Chili Mac starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Oil: A good quality cooking oil is crucial for sautéing your aromatics without burning. I typically opt for olive oil for its rich flavor or avocado oil for its higher smoke point and neutral taste.
- Onion and Garlic: These foundational aromatics are non-negotiable for building a complex flavor base. Sautéing them until softened releases their sweet, pungent notes, which are essential for the chili profile.
- Ground Beef: The heart of this hearty dish! I recommend using a semi-lean ground beef, such as an 85/15 blend. This ratio provides enough fat for excellent flavor and juiciness without rendering an excessive amount of grease, which can make the dish oily. You could also choose 90/10 for a slightly leaner option.
- Spices: The soul of the chili! Our blend includes classic chili powder for its deep, earthy warmth, smoked paprika for a hint of smoky complexity, cumin for its distinctive savory depth, garlic powder to complement the fresh garlic, and, of course, salt to season and enhance all the flavors. Don’t be shy about adjusting these to your preferred spice level.
- Beans: Black beans are my personal preference for their creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the chili. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of your favorite canned beans. Just remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Tomatoes: We use a combination of tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. The tomato sauce provides a rich, smooth base, while the fire-roasted tomatoes add a layer of smoky depth and texture. If fire-roasted isn’t your preference, regular diced tomatoes will work perfectly well.
- Pasta: To stay true to the “mac” in Chili Mac, macaroni noodles are the classic choice. Their small, curved shape is perfect for holding onto the chili sauce. Any other short-cut pasta, such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells, can be used. Just be mindful that different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to the cooking time and liquid amount to achieve the desired tenderness.
- Green Chiles: While optional, a can of diced green chiles adds a subtle, tangy heat and a wonderful layer of flavor that elevates the chili. They’re usually mild, so they won’t overpower the dish.
- Broth: Beef broth is essential for cooking the pasta directly in the pot and creating a rich, flavorful chili base. It infuses the pasta with savory notes as it cooks, contributing significantly to the overall taste of the dish.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is my top pick for its excellent meltability and mild, creamy flavor that complements the chili without overpowering it. For a little extra kick, pepper jack cheese is a fantastic substitute. Cheddar cheese is another popular choice, offering a sharper, more classic “mac and cheese” element.
How to Make the Best One-Pan Chili Mac
Making this One-Pan Chili Mac is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
STEP 1: Sauté Aromatics. Begin by heating your chosen oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I’ve been particularly enjoying my cast iron casserole dish for this recipe; it distributes heat beautifully. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
STEP 2: Brown the Beef. Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot to ensure your Chili Mac isn’t greasy.
STEP 3: Toast the Spices. Once the ground beef is thoroughly cooked, stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook this mixture for about one to two minutes, stirring constantly. This crucial step “toasts” the spices, blooming their flavors and making them more aromatic and potent, creating a deeper, richer chili base.
STEP 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, dry macaroni pasta, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined.
STEP 5: Add Broth and Simmer. Pour in the beef broth. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook. The broth will cook the pasta directly in the chili, infusing it with flavor.
STEP 6: Cook Until Pasta is Tender. Continue to cook the Chili Mac, covered, for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. It’s important to stir the mixture a few times during this cooking process to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
STEP 7: Add and Melt the Cheese. Once the pasta is perfectly tender, turn off the heat. Stir in about 1½ cups of your shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it’s fully melted and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the Chili Mac. Place the lid back on the pot for about 5 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Mac Experience
Elevate your Chili Mac game with these handy tips and tricks:
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, Chili Mac truly shines with the right toppings. I highly recommend a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Other fantastic additions include sliced avocado, a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, thinly sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), or chopped green onions for a mild oniony crunch.
- Pasta and Cheese Balance: The original “lighter” recipe called for less pasta and cheese. While you could potentially reduce the cheese slightly for a less indulgent version, I firmly believe the full amount of pasta is essential for the right texture and heartiness. The cheese contributes significantly to the overall comfort factor!
- Enjoy Fresh for Best Texture: This dish is undeniably best served immediately after cooking. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, becoming softer over time. However, I can attest that the leftovers are still absolutely delicious, just with a slightly different texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover One-Pan Chili Mac should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures its freshness and flavor are maintained.
- Reheating Leftovers: When reheating, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop, you might notice the pasta has absorbed a lot of the liquid and the dish appears drier. Simply add a small amount of additional beef broth (a few tablespoons at a time) and stir while reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Meal Prep Potential: While best fresh, you can certainly prepare the beef and chili base ahead of time (steps 1-3). Store it in the fridge, then when ready to serve, combine it with the pasta, tomatoes, beans, and broth, and continue with steps 4-7. This can save valuable time on busy weeknights.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Chili Mac
This One-Pan Chili Mac recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to “change it up”:
- Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking for a leaner option or simply prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly until no pink remains. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat substitute or increase the beans and add some diced bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spice Profile: The beauty of chili is its versatility with spices. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. For a smoky kick, increase the smoked paprika. Feel free to incorporate other chili seasonings like onion powder, oregano, or a touch of cocoa powder for a deeper, authentic chili flavor.
- Creamy Indulgence: For an extra rich and creamy Chili Mac, stir in a quarter to half a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, just before adding the final sprinkle of cheese. This will create a luscious, decadent texture.
- More “Chili-Like” Consistency: If you prefer your Chili Mac to be more soupy or stew-like, akin to a classic chili with pasta, simply add an extra half to one cup of beef broth during step 4. This will thin out the sauce, making it more brothy.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and add more texture by incorporating extra vegetables. Diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), corn (fresh or frozen), or even finely shredded carrots can be added along with the onion at the beginning.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is fantastic, or try a Mexican blend for a slight tang. Smoked gouda could add an intriguing depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Mac
- Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh, you can definitely do some meal prep. Cook the beef and chili base (steps 1-3) and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply add the remaining ingredients and continue with the recipe from step 4. The pasta will absorb liquid if cooked too far in advance, so adding it fresh is recommended.
- Can I freeze leftover Chili Mac?
- Yes, Chili Mac freezes fairly well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to restore moisture.
- What kind of pot should I use for One-Pan Chili Mac?
- A large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet (like a 12-inch cast iron skillet with high sides) is ideal. You need a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients, including the pasta and liquid, without overflowing. A lid is also essential for simmering the pasta.
- Is Chili Mac spicy?
- This recipe uses a moderate amount of chili powder and optional green chiles, giving it a mild to medium heat level that’s generally family-friendly. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick, or reduce the chili powder for a milder version.
- What side dishes pair well with Chili Mac?
- Chili Mac is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, some crusty bread for dipping, or a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
Discover More Classic Comfort Foods
If you loved this One-Pan Chili Mac, be sure to explore more of our comforting and delicious recipes:
Hearty Baked Penne Pasta
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Creamy Chicken a la King
Authentic Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
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Chili Mac
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 8 oz dry macaroni noodles
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz can) diced green chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and garlic powder. Cook for a minute or two to toast the spices.
- Add the black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, noodles, tomato sauce, and green chiles to the skillet. Stir to combine. Stir in the beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Put the lid on the skillet and cook an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and stir in about 1 1/2 cups of the Monterey Jack. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and place the lid back on for 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 538kcal (27%), Carbohydrates: 51g (17%), Protein: 33g (66%), Fat: 22g (34%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 81mg (27%), Sodium: 1538mg (67%), Potassium: 735mg (21%), Fiber: 8g (33%), Sugar: 5g (6%)