30-Minute Chili Mac and Cheese

This one-pot chili mac and cheese has saved our weeknight dinners more times than I can count bringing together meaty richness and cheesy comfort with almost no fuss. You get a big pot of bold flavor, soft noodles, and gooey cheese in just half an hour and the cleanup is truly easy.

I first whipped this up after a long day of work craving something hearty and fast. Now it is the family’s go-to dinner for game nights and cold evenings.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps brown the beef and vegetables and adds a savory base. Use a fresh bottle for the richest flavor
• Lean ground beef: gives hearty substance without excess grease. Choose 85 or 90 percent lean for the best texture
• Yellow onion: diced for subtle sweetness. Look for onions with dry skin and no soft spots
• Green bell pepper: brings freshness and color. Choose one that feels firm and heavy
• Chili powder: the backbone of smoky chili flavor. Use a fresh blend for best results
• Garlic powder: packs savory punch and convenience. Double check it is aromatic not dusty smelling
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors. Kosher salt is nice because it is less salty by volume than table salt
• Ground cumin: adds warmth and earthiness. Freshly ground if possible
• Cayenne pepper: gives gentle heat. Optional for more spice
• Crushed tomatoes: with their juices add depth and a thick sauce. Avoid cans with dents or rust
• Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato flavor. Look for double concentrated for extra richness
• Chicken broth: keeps everything tender and flavorful. Low sodium broth lets you control the salt
• Macaroni: elbows or small shells are classic. Try to buy name brand or good quality so they hold up
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melty and creamy. Freshly shred your cheese for the smoothest melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the beef and veggies:

Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium high. Toss in the ground beef onion and bell pepper. Stir and cook for about eight minutes until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are soft. You want to break up the beef into small pieces as it browns for the best texture.

Build the chili base:

Sprinkle in chili powder garlic powder ground cumin salt and cayenne if using. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the meat and vegetables. Next pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices scoop in the tomato paste and add the chicken broth. Stir again until totally combined then increase the heat until the mixture starts to bubble.

Cook the pasta:

Once boiling stir in the macaroni making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Put a lid on your pot and turn the heat down to medium low. Let it simmer for fifteen minutes stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks. This is where the pasta cooks and soaks up all the flavor.

Check and finish:

After fifteen minutes check if the pasta is al dente. If you think it needs a little more time or looks dry splash in a bit more broth and cook covered for two to three more minutes. You want the noodles to be tender but not mushy.

Add the cheese:

Turn off the heat then scatter your shredded cheese over the pot. Stir while the cheese melts so everything turns creamy and luscious. You can add a bit more cheese if you love it extra gooey.

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Cheddar has always been my favorite part because kids will eat almost anything if there’s enough cheese. Last winter we all made this together after sledding it tasted like the best comfort food in the world.

Storage Tips

Let your chili mac cool fully before popping leftovers in a lidded container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture. You can freeze it in single portions for up to three months just thaw overnight and heat gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles are great if you want a lighter dish. You can use red bell pepper for a sweeter bite. If you are out of cheddar try Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a mild creamy melt. Swap macaroni with penne small shells or gluten free pasta if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the chili mac into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped fresh cilantro. Tortilla chips make a fun crunchy side. A crisp green salad with lime or ranch dressing helps cut the richness.

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Cultural Context

Chili mac is an American classic that fuses Tex Mex chili with all-American mac and cheese. It is a nostalgic school night dinner in many households and is beloved for being hearty budget friendly and perfect for customizing with whatever you have on hand.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering and keep the pot covered to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat at the end of cooking.

→ Which cheese works best?

Cheddar, Colby, or Pepper Jack melt well and bring a rich, creamy finish to the dish.

→ Can I use a different protein?

Ground turkey or chicken may be substituted for beef, keeping the dish lean and flavorful.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While best fresh, leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers and reheated for future meals.