One Pot Chili Mac is a delightful fusion of chili and macaroni, combining the best of both worlds in a single, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to satisfy.
One Pot Chili Mac
Why This One Pot Chili Mac Is the Best
- Rich and Cheesy Sauce: The pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy, and tomato-based sauce that is both comforting and flavorful.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground meat and possibly beans, this dish is hearty and filling, making it a complete meal.
- One Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and preparation simple.
- Comfort Food: The combination of chili and macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any time of year.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, One Pot Chili Mac is the perfect choice. The combination of rich sauce, hearty meat, and pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, forming a flavor base for the chili mac.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor, enhancing the richness of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
- Ground chicken: Provides a hearty, savory base and classic chili flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce, helping it cling to the pasta for a richer consistency.
- Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Dried Oregano: Together, these spices add warmth, a hint of smokiness, and layers of flavor, giving the chili mac its distinct, comforting
- taste.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy, savory element, complementing the spices and chicken.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and cooking the pasta to tender perfection.
- Uncooked Macaroni: The pasta soaks up the rich flavors as it cooks in the sauce, making this a satisfying one-pot meal.
- Shredded Cheddar: Melts into the dish, adding creaminess and a deliciously gooey texture.
Tips for Making the Best One Pot Chili Mac
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Season Generously: Season the chili with your favorite spices and herbs for maximum flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Cheese Generously: Top with plenty of cheese for a gooey, delicious finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With Cornbread: Serve One Pot Chili Mac with a side of cornbread for a classic pairing.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- With Tortilla Chips: Enjoy with tortilla chips for an extra crunchy texture.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade One Pot Chili Mac. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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One Pot Chili Mac
This One Pot Chili Mac combines the heartiness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese in a single pot, making it a quick, flavorful meal perfect for cozy nights. The tender pasta and melted cheddar make each bite satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 lb. uncooked macaroni about 2 cups
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Chop the yellow onion and finely mince the garlic. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Sauté for around 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Next, add the ground chicken, stirring and cooking until it's fully cooked. If you’re using ground chicken with a higher fat content, consider draining any excess fat before continuing.
- Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano into the skillet with the cooked chicken and onions. Stir and cook for about two minutes, letting the flour and spices coat the skillet’s bottom without burning.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to combine. Be sure to scrape up and dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, stirring to combine it with the rest of the ingredients. Cover the skillet with a lid, then increase the heat to medium-high. Wait for the broth to reach a full boil. Once it’s boiling, give the pasta a quick stir to release any that may be sticking to the bottom, reduce the heat to medium-low, and replace the lid.
- Let the macaroni simmer, stirring every few minutes and keeping the lid on each time, until it becomes tender and the broth thickens into a rich red sauce, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, then sprinkle the rest on top. Cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the residual warmth melt the cheese on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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One Pot Chili Mac