Creamy Chili Mac: Ultimate Comfort Food in One Pot

Rich and creamy chili mac loaded with ground beef, beans, and cheese! This one-pot comfort food dinner is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for feeding hungry families.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Pasta & Liquid:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Cheese & Garnish:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-6 minutes, breaking up with spoon until browned and crumbled.
2. Add Aromatics: Add diced onion and bell pepper to beef. Cook 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to develop deeper flavor.
5. Add Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and bring mixture to a boil.
6. Cook Pasta: Add elbow macaroni to the pot, stir well. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
7. Add Beans: Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until well combined.
9. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
10. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy chili mac combines the best elements of chili and mac and cheese in one satisfying dish. Browning the ground beef creates rich, deep flavor, while the combination of spices builds authentic chili taste. Cooking the pasta directly in the seasoned liquid allows it to absorb maximum flavor. The heavy cream and cheese mixture creates an ultra-creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and bean, while the two types of beans add texture and protein.

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving provides approximately 520 calories with a robust nutritional profile. The ground beef supplies high-quality protein (about 25g per serving), while the beans contribute additional protein and fiber for sustained energy. The pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates, and the cheese adds calcium for bone health. Bell peppers and tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, making this comfort food surprisingly nutritious.

Pro Tips & Techniques

• Meat Selection: Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and texture
• Don’t Skip Browning: Proper browning creates fond that adds incredible flavor
• Pasta Timing: Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to bottom
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoothest melting
• Consistency Control: Add more broth if mixture becomes too thick
• Make-Ahead: Prepare through step 7, then add cream and cheese when reheating

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper for extra heat
• Turkey Option: Substitute ground turkey for lighter version
• Vegetarian: Omit meat and double the beans, use vegetable broth
• Different Pasta: Try rotini, shells, or penne instead of elbows
• Smoky Twist: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke and smoked cheddar cheese
• Loaded Style: Top with crispy bacon bits and diced avocado

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days in airtight container. The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits – add splash of broth or milk when reheating. Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and pasta, but individual portions can be frozen up to 1 month with some texture changes expected.