There’s something wonderfully comforting about a big, hearty pot full of cheesy, spicy pasta bubbling away. This Chili Mac One Pot Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on the inside—perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss.

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl showing one main layer of macaroni pasta mixed with a rich, golden-brown melted cheese sauce and small pieces of browned meat scattered throughout. The cheese has a smooth, slightly shiny texture with browned spots indicating it was baked or broiled. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled over the top, adding bright green color and freshness. A silver spoon with an ornate handle rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Mac One Pot Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chili Mac One Pot Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chili Mac One Pot Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this dish dozens of times, and it never gets old. It’s one pot cooking at its best: easy, packed with flavor, and perfectly balanced between chili heat and cheesy indulgence. It’s a go-to when I want something filling but quick, and I bet you’ll feel the same.

One-pot simplicity: You cook everything together which means less clean-up and more time enjoying your meal.
Balanced flavors: The smokiness from paprika and liquid smoke pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar and bright tomatoes.
Versatile ingredients: You can tweak the spice levels or swap veggies to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Kid-friendly comfort: Even picky eaters often love this cheesy pasta with a mild kick.

This image shows a close-up of a cheesy baked pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has one main layer of curly pasta coated in a rich, melted orange-yellow cheese sauce. Mixed in are small pieces of browned ground meat and bits of red tomato, giving the dish a mix of orange, reddish, and brown colors. Green parsley is sprinkled on top as a fresh garnish. A silver spoon is partly inside the bowl, scooping some pasta, showing the creamy and slightly oily texture of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chili Mac One Pot Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and comfort. Knowing why they work will help you tweak the recipe confidently to match your tastes or what you have on hand.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a whole yellow onion with smooth pale yellow skin, a mound of raw lean ground beef with rich red color and marbling, one vibrant red bell pepper with a glossy surface, several peeled garlic cloves with a creamy white color, small white bowls each containing chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, ground mustard, and black pepper powders, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, another bowl with chunky fire roasted diced tomatoes, a white bowl holding shiny dark red kidney beans, a small white bowl with brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of chicken broth with a light golden hue, a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta with smooth, curved tube shapes, a small block of cream cheese with a soft, creamy white texture, a loose pile of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese in vibrant orange, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing adds richness and helps develop flavor with the onions and meat.
Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth that mellows when cooked down.
Lean Ground Beef: The star protein that keeps the dish hearty without extra grease.
Red Bell Pepper: Optional, but it adds freshness and a slight sweetness to offset the spices.
Garlic Cloves: Their pungent warmth elevates the overall depth of the chili flavors.
Chili Powder: The earthy backbone of the dish’s signature flavor.
Smoked Paprika & Ground Cumin: These spices bring a smoky warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
Dried Oregano & Ground Mustard: Subtle herbal notes and a slight tang for complexity.
Crushed & Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Both provide acidity and texture, the fire-roasted giving a smoky charred flavor layer.
Kidney Beans: Adds body, fiber, and that classic chili texture.
Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
Mesquite Liquid Smoke: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic smoky feel.
Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Cooks the pasta and adds savory depth without making the dish salty.
Elbow Macaroni: The perfect bite-size pasta that holds onto the sauce and cheese.
Cream Cheese & Sharp Cheddar: Cream cheese melts to a luscious texture, while sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and a melty topping.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Chili Mac One Pot Recipe is such a great base — I love to play around with it depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Here are some ways you can make it your own without losing the magic.

Variation: I personally swap ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles when I want a lighter or vegetarian take — just add a splash more broth to keep it moist.
Spice it up: Throw in some cayenne or diced jalapeño if you want a little more heat than the chili powder alone provides.
Veggie boost: Toss in corn, black beans, or even some chopped zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different but equally delicious creamy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Mac One Pot Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add in your diced yellow onion and cook just about 3 minutes until it turns translucent and starts smelling sweet. Then toss in the ground beef and use your spatula to break it up as it browns evenly. This stage is where all your foundational flavors start—don’t rush it! Once the meat is nicely browned, stir in chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, and your chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, mustard, and pepper. Cook everything together for just a minute so the spices bloom and the garlic gets fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (don’t drain these—they add amazing smoky juice). Stir in kidney beans, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and that optional mesquite liquid smoke if you’re feeling adventurous. Finally, add the chicken broth, give it a good stir, then cover and bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. This slow melding of flavors is where the magic grows!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Pot

Once simmering, add your uncooked elbow macaroni right into the pot. Replace the lid and let the pasta cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often and putting the lid back on between stirs to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom. After those initial 5 minutes, remove the lid and keep simmering for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. The secret here is to taste the pasta regularly as it cooks — you want it al dente, not mushy. This step is key to perfectly tender macaroni soaking up all that chili goodness.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Finish & Bake

Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the burner. Stir in soft cream cheese cubes until melted and luscious, then gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar, stirring until melty and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste—sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce here if I want a spicy kick. Then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar evenly on top. Pop the whole pot into a preheated 400°F oven (make sure your pot is oven-safe!) and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes until that top layer of cheese is gloriously bubbly and melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and dig in!

Top Tip

After making this Chili Mac One Pot Recipe multiple times, I learned a few tricks that help avoid common slip-ups. These little tips changed how I cook it—and trust me, they’ll save you time and keep every bite delicious.

Stir frequently: Pasta sticking to the bottom is a common culprit—make sure you stir regularly during cooking to keep everything evenly coated and prevent burning.
Taste-test the pasta: Don’t just go by time. Start tasting the pasta at the 8-minute mark so it stays perfectly tender but still has a bit of bite.
Use an oven-safe pot: If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the final cheese topping and broiling.
Don’t skip cream cheese: It adds richness and creaminess that transforms the chili mac into comfort food gold—just be sure it’s softened for easy melting.

How to Serve Chili Mac One Pot Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my chili mac with fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions for extra creaminess and that fresh sharp zing. If you’re feeling adventurous, chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can amp up the heat.

Side Dishes

Since the chili mac is so filling, I often keep sides simple. Garlic bread or cornbread crisps up nicely alongside. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this chili mac in individual oven-safe bowls topped with cast iron skillet crispy cheese edges. It feels special and lets everyone have their own cheesy, bubbling bowl of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but if the pasta seems to soak up too much sauce, a splash of broth or water helps loosen it when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well before baking. Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual with the cheese topping. I recommend adding fresh cheese before baking for the best melt.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat to avoid drying out. Add a splash of broth or water and stir frequently for the creamiest results. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chili Mac One Pot Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or increase the beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times and broth quantity as needed.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking or becoming mushy?

Stir the pasta frequently during cooking and watch the liquid level closely to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Begin tasting the pasta early to catch it at al dente. If you notice it’s drying out too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! While elbow macaroni works best for texture and size, you can also use small shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep in mind that larger or thicker pasta may need a few extra minutes of cooking.

Do I have to bake the chili mac at the end?

Baking with the cheddar topping creates a wonderful melted and slightly crispy crust, which adds texture and visual appeal. But if you’re short on time, you can skip the oven step — just stir the cheese in and serve immediately for creamy comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac One Pot Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, delicious, and flexible. Whenever I’m in need of comfort food that somehow feels special but comes together without stress, this dish delivers every time. I hope you find it as rewarding to make and eat as I do—think of it as your new weeknight best friend in the kitchen.