One Pot Chili Mac
This is the perfect sweater weather recipe! It’s hearty, homemade comfort food that’s brimming with flavor and it’s just the dinner friends and family of all ages will love on a cold day. One thing I think you’ll really appreciate about this recipe is that many of the ingredients are things you may likely already have on hand, especially if you keep a pack or two of ground beef stashed away in the freezer. I love a one-pot meal, especially for weeknight dinners. And just like regular chili (or American goulash), it’s so versatile that you can swap in other ingredients you have on hand for those you don’t (see ideas below for substitutes). I’ve added carrots to chili before so really just about anything goes. Then top it as you’d like with all your favorite toppings. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of green onions and more cheese!
Chili Mac Recipe Ingredients
Olive oil Ground beef 93% lean Elbow macaroni noodles Vegetables: Yellow onion, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper Canned ingredients: Crushed tomatoes, chicken broth or beef broth, green chilies, kidney beans Dairy: Half and half, sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make this Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Possible Substitutes and Variations
Beans: Black beans or pinto beans will work well instead of kidney beans. Onions: Red or white onion will work in place of the yellow onion. Pepper: Poblano pepper is a great option, or if you want is nice and spicy just use 2 or 3 jalapeños instead. Pasta: You could use another type of pasta here such as ditalini or mini bowties, but I love some uncooked elbow macaroni. Cheese: Monterrey jack cheese is a great substitute for cheddar. Tomatoes: If you have a can of whole tomatoes you could blitz those up in the food processor in place of crushed canned tomatoes. Some people use or add tomato sauce, too. Vegetarian/Vegan option: Use Impossible plant-based burger or Beyond Beef or mushrooms, then replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. If making vegan also use a vegan cheddar and canned coconut milk for half and half.
Healthier option: For a healthier alternative use ground turkey in place of ground beef, omit the half and half, and use whole wheat pasta.
What to Serve with Chili Mac
Cornbread One-Hour Dinner Rolls Tortilla Chips, Salsa and Guacamole Grilled Corn on the Cob Apple Crisp
More Delicious Chili Recipes to Try
Slow Cooker Chili Turkey Chili Vegetarian Chili White Chicken Chili
