The weather is finally starting to cool down a little. A huge piece of me is kinda sad that summer is officially over. That school has been in session for over a month. That the mornings are now cool. The other part of me is super excited to be able to get comfy in a pair of yoga pants and an oversized sweater. To eat warm, hearty meals and not feel like I’m overheating because it’s so darn hot out.
I’m probably getting a tiny bit ahead of myself since it’s still easily warm enough to wear shorts mid-day but I really need that warm and hearty meal and one pot chili mac and cheese was calling my name. Two hearty meals in one. One pot. Easy clean up. One pot meals are truly life changing. I know that’s dramatic (I can tend to be a bit dramatic) but they are amazing. The small amount of clean up is awesome after a long day of cleaning up after little ones all day long.
First you’re going to need a large pot or a dutch oven. If you don’t have one already I’ve been eyeing this one in case you want to match. Dice a medium-sized onion and add it to your pot over low to medium heat. Add 1.5lbs ground beef and cook until onions are translucent and beef is done. Then add 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Once the beef is cooked drain if needed. Add your beef back to your pot and add 4 3/4 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, 1 can (14.5 ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Mix and bring to a boil. Then add 16oz elbow pasta.
Stir the pasta in and make sure it’s covered by the broth. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked through.
Then mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Cook until cheese is completely melted. Serve immediately.
This was a huge hit with everyone, there were plenty of leftovers too which were perfect for my lunches. I really enjoyed it with a dollop of sour cream on top. SO good!
Ingredients
Directions
- Dice a medium sized onion and add it to your pot over low to medium heat.
- Add 1.5lbs ground beef and cook until onions are translucent and beef is done. Then add 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the beef ass needed then add your beef back to your pot.
- Stir in 4 3/4 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, 1 can (14.5 ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix and bring to a boil.
- Add 16oz elbow pasta.
- Stir the pasta in and make sure it's covered by the broth. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked through.
- Mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cook until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and ENJOY!

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