Chili Mac N' Cheese Pasta (One-Pot Dinner Recipe)

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Looking for a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that comes together in one pan? This cheesy chili mac skillet is the ultimate comfort food—packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese.

It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something filling, flavorful, and easy to clean up. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb of ground beef
1 chopped onion
1/2 tsp each of salt pepper, ground cumin
1 tsp each of onion powder
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes not drained
15.5 oz can of chili beans not drained
8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups of beef broth
2 cups of elbow noodles (we used GF)
2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or colby)

Method

Add ground beef and chopped onions to a pan and cook over medium-high heat , adding in salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder. Once beef is cooked, drain if needed.
Add in 1 tbsp of minced garlic, the diced tomatoes, chili beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, and elbow noodles to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Stir every 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and it thickens into a rich, sauce-like consistency.
Once the pasta is cooked add 2 cups of shredded cheese. Mix until melted and Enjoy!

Notes

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac Recipe

One-pot meal = easy cleanup
Ready in about 30 minutes
Budget-friendly ingredients
Kid-approved comfort food
Perfect for leftovers

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Tips for the Best Chili Mac

Don’t skip stirring – This helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Adjust spice level – Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Swap proteins – Ground turkey or chicken works great too.

Variations

Add bell peppers or corn for extra veggies
Stir in cream cheese for a creamier texture
Top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or water
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (note: pasta may soften slightly)

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats really well, making it great for meal prep.

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work best.

Do I have to use chili beans?
No—you can substitute kidney beans, black beans, or even skip beans altogether.

Chili Mac N’ Cheese Pasta