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Chili mac is comfort food at its finest: bold, hearty, and guaranteed to please even the hungriest crowd. This one-pot chili mac keeps all the classic flavors you love while cutting back on dishes and prep time.

Cooking the pasta directly in the chili not only saves time, it also locks in flavor. Every bite is rich, saucy, and satisfying, making this a go-to for cold nights, busy weeks, or whenever you want something cozy without extra effort.

One-Pot Chili Mac

Course: Budget-Friendly Meals, Comfort Food, Easy Basics, Family Favorites, Noodles u0026amp; Pasta, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staple Recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

A comforting mash-up of chili and macaroni cooked in one pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 packet chili seasoning

  • 1 can kidney beans, drained

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

  • 1ยฝ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  • Brown beef in a large pot; drain excess fat.
  • Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
  • Stir in seasoning, beans, tomatoes, broth, and pasta.
  • Simmer uncovered 15โ€“18 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Stir in cheese until melted.

Optional Tips/Variations

  • Add jalapeรฑos for heat.
    Swap beef for ground turkey.
    Top with sour cream.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth.

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Savvy Bites is your go-to guide for delicious, budget-friendly family meals.
From quick weeknight dinners to smart grocery hacks, we make it easy to feed your family well without overspending. Simple ingredients, practical tips, and recipes that actually work โ€” all designed to help you save money while eating better.

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