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Ultimate One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese Heaven! Chili Mac and Cheese: Make this easy one-pot wonder in under 30 minutes! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it'

Ultimate One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese Heaven!

This one-pot chili mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights. It combines the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Whether you're a beginner cook or just short on time, this chili mac recipe delivers maximum flavor with straightforward steps. You'll love how quickly this satisfying meal comes together, proving that delicious doesn't have to be complicated.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (, minced)
  • 1 onion (, finely chopped)
  • 1 red capsicum / bell pepper (, chopped)
  • 500 g / 1 lb ground beef (mince)
  • 800 g / 28 oz crushed canned tomato
  • 420 g / 14 oz can red kidney beans (, drained)
  • 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth
  • 250 g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta ((elbow pasta), uncooked)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, tasty cheese)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add red capsicum and cook until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as you go.
  3. Once the beef is browned, add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Turn the stove OFF. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and the mixture is saucy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Top with the remaining cheese, put the lid back on, and let it sit for 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding cheese.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.