One Pot Beef Chili Mac : Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

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Are you searching for quick and easy dinner recipes that don’t require a mountain of dishes? Meet your new favorite meal: One Pot Beef Chili Mac. This hearty, budget-friendly dish combines the best of chili and mac and cheese into one incredible skillet dinner. With tender macaroni, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for easy meals with ground beef, this one-pot wonder has you covered.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one frying pan or Dutch oven, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors from the beef broth and spices, creating a rich, satisfying sauce that coats every bite. Plus, at under $10 for the entire recipe, it’s perfect for budget-conscious cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beef Chili Mac

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
• Budget-Friendly: At approximately $8.93 for the entire recipe, this feeds a family of four for just over $2 per serving.
• Kid-Approved: The combination of pasta, beef, and cheese is universally loved by children and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels, add vegetables, or swap proteins based on your preferences.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This meal is packed with protein and carbs to keep everyone full and happy.

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Large deep skillet or frying pan (at least 12 inches) or Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife for dicing and mincing
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Lid for your skillet or pot

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Total Cost: Approximately $8.93 for 4-6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by dicing the yellow onion on your cutting board using a sharp chef’s knife. Mince the two garlic cloves finely. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This creates a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Break up the meat with your wooden spoon and continue to stir and cook until the beef is completely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content (more than 15%), you may want to drain off the excess fat at this point to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano over the cooked beef and onions. Stir constantly for about two minutes, allowing the flour and spices to coat the meat and toast slightly. This step is crucial for building deep, complex flavors and creating a thicker sauce. Make sure to keep stirring so the flour doesn’t burn on the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet these are packed with flavor! The mixture should be smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to ensure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Place a lid on the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the broth to come to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, give the pasta a quick stir to prevent any pieces from sticking to the bottom, then reduce the heat to medium-low and replace the lid.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Let the macaroni simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes and always replacing the lid between stirs. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth while cooking, and the liquid will reduce to a thick, rich gravy. The pasta should be tender and the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, stir half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the dish. Place the lid back on the pot, turn off the heat, and let the residual heat melt the cheese on top for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chili Mac

• Choose the Right Beef: Ground beef with 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio works best. Leaner beef means less fat to drain, but some fat adds flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour helps thicken the sauce and gives it a better consistency. It also helps prevent the dish from being too watery.
• Stir Regularly: Pasta can stick to the bottom of the pan, especially during the simmering phase. Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder to 1-2 teaspoons. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Use Quality Broth: The beef broth is a key flavor component. Use a good-quality store-bought broth or homemade stock for the best results.
• Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swaps

While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute other proteins:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You may need to add a bit more oil since these meats are leaner.
• Ground Pork: Italian sausage or regular ground pork adds a different flavor profile.
• Plant-Based Ground: Use your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.

Add More Vegetables

Boost the nutrition by adding extra vegetables:

• Diced bell peppers (add with the onions)
• Corn kernels (add during the last 5 minutes)
• Black beans or kidney beans (add with the broth)
• Diced zucchini or mushrooms (add with the beef)
• Spinach or kale (stir in at the end)

Spice It Up

For those who love heat:

• Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Mix in diced jalapeños or green chiles
• Top with hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb moisture as it sits, so the dish may become thicker. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the pasta texture may change slightly after freezing, becoming a bit softer.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

While this One Pot Beef Chili Mac is a complete meal on its own, here are some delicious accompaniments:

• Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with ranch or vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Cornbread: A classic pairing with anything chili-flavored.
• Sour Cream and Green Onions: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions.
• Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch by serving with tortilla chips on the side or crushed on top.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 520-580 calories
• Protein: 32-35g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Fat: 22-26g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sodium: 800-950mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape like shells, penne, rotini, or cavatappi. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and aromatics, then add all remaining ingredients except the cheese. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes with a quick release. Stir in the cheese at the end. The pasta-to-liquid ratio should remain the same.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add 1/4 cup of beef broth or water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering with the lid off for a few more minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in an extra 1/4 cup of shredded cheese to thicken it naturally.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cook as directed, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so the dish will be thicker when reheated.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour and wheat pasta. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free pasta and substituting cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your broth is also certified gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a very large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate double the ingredients. Alternatively, you can make two batches in separate pots. If doubling, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta cooks through completely.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of One Pot Beef Chili Mac lies in its simplicity and smart cooking technique. By cooking the pasta directly in the flavored broth, the noodles absorb all those delicious seasonings, creating a more flavorful dish than if you boiled them separately. The flour coating on the beef acts as a thickening agent, transforming the broth into a rich, cling-to-your-pasta sauce. The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano creates a well-rounded flavor profile that’s warm and comforting without being overwhelming. Finally, stirring in the cheese at the end creates a creamy, cohesive dish that brings everything together.

This recipe also demonstrates excellent kitchen efficiency. Using just one pan means fewer dishes to wash, and the 30-minute cook time makes it realistic for busy weeknights. The ingredient list is straightforward and budget-friendly, proving that you don’t need expensive or exotic ingredients to create a delicious, satisfying meal.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works fine. Want more vegetables? Toss them in. Prefer a different cheese? Go for it! This is the type of flexible, forgiving recipe that becomes a staple because it works with your lifestyle rather than against it.

The One Pot Beef Chili Mac is more than just a recipe it’s a solution to the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?” It’s comfort food that doesn’t require comfort-food levels of effort or expense. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teenagers, or just yourself after a long day, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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One Pot Beef Chili Mac : Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

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This One Pot Beef Chili Mac is a quick, budget-friendly dinner that combines tender macaroni, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Everything cooks together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!

• Author: Marie
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 yellow onion 2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 lb. ground beef 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp chili powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried oregano 8 oz. tomato sauce 3 cups beef broth 1/2 lb. uncooked macaroni (about 2 cups) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to a large deep skillet or Dutch oven with the olive oil and sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the ground beef to the skillet and continue to stir and cook until the beef is cooked through. If using a higher fat content ground beef, drain off the excess fat at this point. Add the flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano to the skillet with the beef and onions. Continue to cook and stir for about two minutes, allowing the flour and spices to coat the bottom of the skillet, but not burn. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet and stir well to combine, making sure to scrape and dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Add the uncooked macaroni and stir to combine. Place a lid on the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Allow the broth to come up to a full boil. Once boiling, give the pasta a quick stir, turn the heat down to medium-low, and place the lid back on top. Allow the macaroni to simmer, stirring every few minutes and always replacing the lid, until the macaroni is tender and the broth has reduced to a rich red gravy (about 10 minutes). Stir half of the shredded cheese into the sauce until melted, and sprinkle the remainder on top. Place a lid on the pot, turn the heat off, and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For leaner results, use 90/10 ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add liquid when reheating as the pasta absorbs moisture. This recipe can be doubled but requires a very large pot or Dutch oven. Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans.