Dorm room chili mac –Indulge in a delightful and hearty meal with this One Pot Chili Mac recipe. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also promises to satisfy your cravings with its rich flavors and comforting ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines the classic tastes of chili and macaroni in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Visual Delight
Take a look at the mouthwatering result:

Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious One Pot Chili Mac:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring your One Pot Chili Mac to life:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart using a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed through the meat and onion mixture.
- Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, stir in the elbow macaroni. Ensure that the pasta is covered by the liquid. Allow it to cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until al dente.
- When the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if preferred.
This One Pot Chili Mac is a comforting dish that presents a perfect balance of flavors and textures, sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction that this recipe brings!