One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
Looking for a dish that combines comfort and flavor in one hearty package? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. is an indulgent, creamy delight that’s packed with bold spices, cheesy goodness, and a delightful kick. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze while satisfying hunger in a way that only a warm bowl of chili mac can. Let’s dive into why this recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. is the ultimate weeknight meal. It brings together the classic flavors of chili and the creamy texture of mac and cheese, all in one pot. There’s no need to fuss over multiple pans; everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable, meaning you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this mouthwatering One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese., gather the following 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 to taste
- 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
Equipment Breakdown
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Large pot or Dutch oven – This is where all the magic happens!
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping your veggies.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.: How It’s Done
Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef (or ground chicken). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped yellow onion and poblano pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrances.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced green chilies. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add 2-3 cups of chicken or beef broth, depending on your desired consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once simmering, add the short-cut pasta to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Creamy Goodness
Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the hot sauce and cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 7: Cheesy Finish
Fold in the shredded melty cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. hot, garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!
Make It Fit Your Plan
This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit various dietary preferences:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the spice level by using milder peppers or omitting the hot sauce.
Testing Timeline
If you want to ensure your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. is perfect every time, consider the following timeline:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Storing Tips & Timelines
Leftovers are just as delicious! Here’s how to store your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.:
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will last for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Q&A
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
No worries! Regular crushed tomatoes will do just fine. You can add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, just combine everything in the pot for a quick and easy meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add more cayenne pepper, use spicy sausage instead of ground meat, or add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Healthy-ish Favorites
If you’re looking for other healthy-ish recipes that bring the same comfort and flavor, check out these favorites:
That’s a Wrap
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. is a delightful dish that brings together the best of both worlds – chili and mac and cheese – in a single pot. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation, it’s destined to be a new staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the comforting goodness of One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef (or ground chicken). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped yellow onion and poblano pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrances.
- Pour in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced green chilies. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add 2-3 cups of chicken or beef broth, depending on your desired consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the short-cut pasta to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the hot sauce and cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Fold in the shredded melty cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve your One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
