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Creamy One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Without Beans

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A quick, comforting, and creamy chili mac and cheese made in one pot without beans, featuring ground beef, chili spices, and a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream (half-and-half works too)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, sour cream dollops

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned but not crisp, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to toast spices slightly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and milk; bring to a gentle boil, scraping bottom to loosen browned bits.
  5. Stir in dry macaroni pasta evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but firm, about 12-15 minutes. Add broth or water if liquid absorbs too quickly.
  6. Lower heat to low. Add softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  9. Serve topped with optional sliced green onions, jalapeño slices, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Softening cream cheese before adding helps avoid lumps. Stir often during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Adjust liquid as needed to avoid dryness or soupy texture. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth. For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili mac and cheese, one-pot meal, creamy chili mac, no beans chili, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-one-pot-chili-mac-and-cheese-without-beans-recipe-easy-and-delicious/