One-Pot Chili Mac Simple and Flavorful Comfort Meal

Craving a warm, hearty dish that’s easy to make? You’re in the right spot! This One-Pot Chili Mac combines ground turkey or beef with veggies, beans, and spices for a flavor-packed meal. It’s simple to whip up in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to impress your family or cozy up with a bowl yourself. Let’s dive into this quick and tasty recipe!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 lb ground turkey or beef

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 cups elbow macaroni

- 2 tablespoons chili powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

This dish starts with ground turkey or beef. I love using turkey for a leaner meal. Then, I chop a medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These add great flavor. I also use a bell pepper for sweetness and color. Next, black beans pack protein, and diced tomatoes with green chilies bring spice.

I choose chicken or vegetable broth as the cooking liquid. It adds depth to the flavors. For the pasta, I use elbow macaroni. It’s the perfect shape for this dish. Finally, I add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for warmth. Salt and pepper finish off the seasoning.

Optional Garnishes

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

To make this meal even better, I suggest garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese. It melts nicely and adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions can add brightness. They are not required but add a nice touch.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

- Large pot

- Cooking spoon

- Measuring cups and spoons

You need a large pot to cook this meal. It should hold all the ingredients comfortably. A cooking spoon is great for mixing everything together. Finally, measuring cups and spoons help ensure you get the right amounts. Each tool is simple but important for making One-Pot Chili Mac.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Meat

To start, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it until it browns, breaking it apart with a spoon. This step adds flavor and texture.

Next, stir in 1 chopped medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook these until the vegetables soften, which takes about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water.

Combining Ingredients

Now it's time to add more to your pot. Stir in 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Make sure to include their juice for extra flavor.

Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Toss in 2 cups of elbow macaroni along with 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.

Finishing Touches

Bring your mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking. You want the pasta to be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.

Once done, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and makes the dish creamy. Taste and adjust if you need more salt or chili powder.

Serve your One-Pot Chili Mac hot, and feel free to garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if you'd like!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To enhance the flavor of One-Pot Chili Mac, you can adjust the spices. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. For a milder taste, use less. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. For a creamy texture, make sure to stir in the cheese while the pot is hot. This helps it melt smoothly and mix well.

Making It Ahead

You can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper the night before. Store them in the fridge. You can also measure out spices and have them ready. When you are ready to cook, just combine everything in the pot. For reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps it from drying out in the microwave or on the stove.

Presentation Tips

Serving One-Pot Chili Mac in bowls makes it look great. You can sprinkle extra cheese on top for a nice touch. Use fresh cilantro or sliced green onions as a garnish. These add color and freshness. If you want to impress, serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips. This gives a fun crunch to your meal.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can easily swap the ground turkey or beef in this dish. Ground chicken works well for a leaner option. If you want something different, try ground pork or sausage. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or chopped mushrooms. These options bring unique flavors and textures to your One-Pot Chili Mac.

Pasta Alternatives

While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other pasta shapes. Shells, penne, or rotini also work great. They can hold the sauce well and add fun shapes to your dish. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta that cooks just like regular pasta, so you won’t miss out.

Spice Level Adjustments

Adjusting the spice level is easy and fun. If you like mild flavors, reduce the chili powder. You can also skip the diced tomatoes with green chilies. For those who love heat, add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper. If you want extra heat, fresh jalapeños or hot sauce can take your dish to the next level.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, cool the One-Pot Chili Mac first. Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. This keeps it fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze One-Pot Chili Mac for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, One-Pot Chili Mac lasts about three days. In the freezer, it stays good for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your leftovers safely!

FAQs

How long does it take to make One-Pot Chili Mac?

It takes about 30 minutes to make One-Pot Chili Mac. You need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is around 20 minutes. This includes browning the meat and simmering the dish. You can enjoy a warm meal in no time.

Can I make One-Pot Chili Mac vegetarian?

Yes, you can make One-Pot Chili Mac vegetarian. Instead of ground turkey or beef, use meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms. You can also add more beans, like kidney or pinto beans, for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegetarian dish.

What can I serve with One-Pot Chili Mac?

You can serve One-Pot Chili Mac with a side salad for freshness. Cornbread makes a great pairing, too. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. Add some avocado slices or guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess. Enjoy your comforting meal!

One-Pot Chili Mac is simple and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, like ground turkey or beef, veggies, and spices. You learned how to cook it step-by-step, enhancing flavor and presentation. Remember to try variations, from proteins to pasta shapes. Store leftovers wisely for fresh meals later. With these tips, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Cooking is fun, so get creative and make it your own!