One-Pan High Protein Chili Mac (Print Version)

Creamy beefy pasta with smoky spices and cheddar, ready in 30 minutes

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground

→ Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

04 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce Base

09 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
10 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
11 - 2 cups low-sodium beef, chicken, or vegetable broth

→ Pasta

12 - 2 cups dry elbow macaroni or short pasta, gluten-free if needed

→ Cheese

13 - 2 cups shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese

→ Optional Add-Ins

14 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 - 1 jalapeño, diced

→ Toppings

16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Sour cream
18 - Crushed tortilla chips
19 - Extra shredded cheese
20 - Fresh cilantro

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat and distribute spices evenly.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
05 - Add dry macaroni and optional beans and jalapeño if desired. Stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
06 - Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
07 - Turn off heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, then stir until completely melted and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
08 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
09 - Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings such as green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, or extra cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is as effortless as the cooking.
  • You get a serious protein boost without feeling like youre eating diet food.
  • The creamy, cheesy sauce clings to every piece of pasta like a hug in a bowl.
  • Its endlessly flexible, you can swap the meat, add beans, or dial the heat up or down.
02 -
  • Dont skip stirring occasionally while the pasta simmers, or it will stick to the bottom and burn.
  • If the pasta isnt quite tender and the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth or water and cover for another minute or two.
  • Turn off the heat before adding the cheese, or it can break and become grainy instead of creamy.
03 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded; it melts smoother and tastes so much better.
  • If you want extra smoky depth, add half a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a splash of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles.
  • Taste before serving and dont be shy with the salt, pasta and beans can both dull seasoning, so adjust at the end.
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