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Chili Mac One-Pot Dinner

Chili Mac One-Pot Dinner is a cozy, flavorful dish that combines macaroni, ground meat, spices, and cheese into a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this one-pot wonder ensures you can enjoy quality time around the dinner table without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add ground meat to the pot; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Stir in diced bell peppers and cook until tender.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder along with salt and pepper; mix well.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and canned tomatoes, then bring to a boil before adding elbow macaroni.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, cover briefly to melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Customize your Chili Mac by swapping ground beef for turkey or using plant-based proteins like lentils. For extra spice, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days or frozen for later use.