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It’s hard to beat this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Think spicy, saucy chili meets creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. It’s made entirely in one pot and comes together in less than an hour. Spicy chili-seasoned meat mixed with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and hot sauce for a spicy buffalo kick. Finish this chili off with a cheesy mix of cream cheese, Colby jack, and cheddar, kind of like queso! Then mix in elbow macaroni to create the most delicious chili cheese mac! Top each bowl off with fresh cilantro and green onions. It’s so simple and makes you want to say “YUM”!
In my head, I intended to share a salad today, but mac and cheese was more what I was in the mood for. We’ve entered into that time of year between winter and spring when most days are pretty cold. And even though spring is top of mind, it’s still very much winter.
I have salads I’m excited to share. And while I still plan to post them soon, it was cold and snowy. So I made us a pot of chili mac and cheese!
It’s shocking to me that this recipe doesn’t already live on this website. It’s a recipe I’ve thought about creating for years. But I steered away from it because it always felt a little too basic.
But this is nothing short of delicious. It really brings me back to my Midwest roots. One of the very first dishes I ever made was a Rachel Ray recipe that was very similar. To this day, my oldest brother raves about that Rachel Ray pasta. And now I have my own version here on the site.
I know you all will love this so much. It’s so easy to make!
These are the details…
Step 1: cook the meat
For this chili, I used my queso beef chili recipe as a base. You can use ground beef or ground chicken. Use what you and your family will love most.
Cook the meat along with an onion and a poblano or bell pepper. Then add the spices: chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
Step 2: Mix in the tomatoes + broth
Add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped green chilies. Then season with salt and pepper.
Add the broth, then a couple of cups of water. The water is important and will help the pasta cook in the chili. Cook everything together until the pasta is al dente.
It’s important to stir the pasta frequently to ensure nothing is sticking. But other than that, everything is EASY.
Step 3: the cheese
Mix in the cream cheese and shredded cheese. I mix Colby jack, pepper jack, and cheddar cheese. This is the “queso” element of this chili cheese mac. It makes for the yummiest mac and cheese.
Finish the dish with extra cheese, then bake until it’s super melty.
Step 4: finish up
Now, the toppings. Most chili is delicious as is. But what makes a chili mac recipe over-the-top good are fresh herbs on top.
Sprinkle on lots of fresh cilantro and some green onions. So delish!
Looking for other easy family dinners? Here are a few ideas:
One Pot Buffalo Chicken “Helper”
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
One Pan Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake
One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
Lastly, if you make this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
Can you swap in ground turkey instead of ground beef or ground chicken?
Yes! For this chili, I used my queso beef chili recipe as the base, but you can swap in ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey and apply all of the same spices.
What do you do with leftover chili mac?
This is one of those meals that makes a great lunch the next day! Keep in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for up to a week or two – you can warm up this recipe for a great meal the next day.
Can you use other types of macaroni in this dish?
Yes! I used elbow macaroni, but you could also use macaroni shells, farfalle, fusille, ziti, rigatoni, or penne.
Could you use Mexican Cheese Blend as the cheese option?
Yes, absolutely – bagged shredded cheese of your choice or shred a cheese block. You can get creative with this recipe and the cheese you select will certainly impact the flavor.
What kitchen supplies do you need for this recipe?
A large braiser (12-14 inches), pot, or dutch over (one of the three), a wooden spoon, spoon rest and can opener!
One Pot Chili Cheese Mac
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 676 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- salt and black pepper
- 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded melty cheese (colby, cheddar, pepper jack)
- green onions and cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add the meat and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat all over, breaking up the meat as you go.2. Add the poblanos, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 5 minutes, until fragrant. Mix in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced chilies. Pour over the broth. Add 2 cups water and season with salt. 3. Add the pasta. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often. Stir in the hot sauce, cream cheese, and 1/2 the cheese. Cook another few minutes until very creamy. Remove from the heat and top with cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.4. Divide the pasta and sauce among bowls and top with green onions and cilantro.
Just made this exactly as written and it is phenomenal!!! Definitely has a kick to it but we love that in our house! Thanks, bunches for creating this amazing recipe! 🙂
Hi Nicole,
Amazing!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
Very yummy. I used regular crushed tomato and not as much shredded cheese (I ran out) and this was still delicious. Must like spicy though! It has a nice little kick and leaves your lips tingling. This recipe made a huge portion. We’ll be using the left overs for lunches.
Thanks so much Sylvia! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you! Have a great week! xT
Made with ground elk and gluten free noodles. Wonderful rainy day recipe. You can never go wrong with your recipes.
Hey Julie,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this dish turned out well for you, thanks for making it! xT
Excellent! Subbed a cubanelle pepper for the poblano to reduce the heat.
Thanks so much for making this dish and your feedback! Glad to hear it turned out well! xT
Great recipe! I modified it by using ground turkey and less of the peppers & chili….but came out great! Thanks for the idea, Tieghan!!
Hi Connie,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe and your comment, love to hear that it turned out well for you! Have a great Monday! xT
Made this today with GF noodles and we immediately regretted not making a double batch!!
Hey Gena,
So glad to hear that this dish was such a hit, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great Monday! xT
Loved this meal!! Perfect for a Sunday night in the winter. This was my first time adding pasta to a chili. So delicious!
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks a lot for trying this dish, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
this is so hearty and delicious! used jalapeños and a green bell pepper instead of poblano and grated a block of pepper jack. definitely a chili/mac and cheese hybrid. love a one pot meal! just what i needed on a cold sunday ☀️
Hey Dani,
Wonderful! So glad to hear you enjoyed this dish, thanks so much for making it! xT
Making this now and it smells delicious! Do you use canned or tube for tomato paste? By the way, your food photos and website are beautiful.
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for trying this recipe!! I like to use either, just depends on the brand I’m using that day! I hope this is delish! xT
I made this recipe yesterday and it was amazing! My husband and I both loved it. I used ground venison and a green bell pepper instead of poblano, both of which is just because that’s what I had. It turned out fantastic. Another awesome recipe, thanks Tieghan!
Love to hear this Genevieve! Thanks so much for trying this dish and sharing what worked well for you! xT
Soooo good. I had to force myself to stop eating after I made it. I had to add 2 cups of water in addition to the 2 cups of chicken broth to get the pasta cooked. Perfect comfort meal on a cold New England night!
Hi Jeff,
So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it!! The 2 cups of water are part of the recipe, so you definitely need the broth and the water:) xx
I hate to be this guy, but do you think there’s a way to vegetarian this? Maybe add drained rinsed beans before baking? Sounds delish but we don’t do meat.
Update: added 2 cans of drained rinsed pintos when the pasta was close to done. Fantastic!
I was thinking of using impossible meat and beef bulion cubes in water for more of that flavor but no actual meat. Hoping to try it this week
I hope you love the recipe Jenn!!
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing what worked well for you, Kate!
Hey Kate,
Lol no worries, I think beans would be a great idea to use in place of the beef!! Let me know if you give this dish a try, I hope you love it! xT
I made this yesterday following the recipe for all but the last addition of hot sauce because I’m pretty timid with hot sauce. The recipe is amazing and it is my new go-to. I will make it with the hot sauce addition for my kids. Thanks for another excellent recipe.
Hey Pattie,
Happy Sunday! I am thrilled to hear this dish turned out well for you, thanks a lot for trying it out! Xx
I’d love to know what hot sauce you used? Making this this upcoming week!
Hi Summer,
I used Franks Hot Sauce. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
My husband and grandkids loved this Chili Mac. It got nice and thick after I pulled it out of the oven. I toned down the spice for the kiddos – it also freezes well.
Hi Sheryl,
Amazing!! So glad to hear everyone enjoyed this dish, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xT