One-Pot Chili Mac

One-Pot chili mac is a hearty, comforting meal that uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort, making it the perfect easy dinner. It’s great for meal prep and can also be frozen for easy meals throughout the week.

Info and tips for one-pot chili mac

The key to making one-pot meals taste great is building the flavour slowly at each step. I like to allow each ingredients enough time to really merge or melt into each other. I always take extra time to caramelize the onions, garlic, and beef. Or I let my spices “bloom” in the oil before adding any liquids. Taking the time to gently allow each ingredient to shine really helps bring the entire dish together.

This dish is great for meal prep throughout the week and can be frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat leftovers by letting thaw in the fridge before gently heating over the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. This helps avoid the pasta becoming gummy.

Equipment

I love to use my Le Creuset for so many things! It is my favourite pot to use for one pot meals.

Ingredients for one-pot chili mac

• olive oil
• 1 onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
• 400ml tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can kidney beans
• 4 cups pasta shells
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by getting your prep out of the way: dice your onion, mince your garlic, shred your cheese, mince the chives.
2. Heat a large oiled pot over medium heat and add the onions. Saute until fragrant and soft before adding the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute another couple minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, break apart and brown. Season with listed seasonings.
4. Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Stir well and let cook for a couple minutes before adding the beef broth.
5. Bring to a simmer and add the beans and shells. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes before adding the cream. Test a noodle to make sure it’s al dente.
6. Shut off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Taste test and season with salt & pepper. Garnish with chives and enjoy!

See below for a video tutorial!

If you liked this one be sure to check out these:

• Tomato Orzo Meatball Soup
• Korean BBQ Meatballs
• Shepherds Pie

Print Recipe

One-Pot Chili Mac

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Comforting

By Kenna's Cooks – Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes – Cooking Time: 45 minutes – Total Time: 1 hour

One-Pot chili mac is a hearty, comforting meal that uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort, making it the perfect easy dinner.

Ingredients

• olive oil
• 1 onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
• 400ml tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can kidney beans
• 4 cups pasta shells
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• chives for garnish

Instructions

1

Begin by getting your prep out of the way: dice your onion, mince your garlic, shred your cheese, mince the chives.

2

Heat a large oiled pot over medium heat and add the onions. Saute until fragrant and soft before adding the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute another couple minutes.

3

Add the ground beef, break apart and brown. Season with listed seasonings.

4

Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Stir well and let cook for a couple minutes before adding the beef broth.

5

Bring to a simmer and add the beans and shells. Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes before adding the cream. Test a noodle to make sure it's al dente.

6

Shut off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Taste test and season with salt & pepper. Garnish with chives and enjoy!