The Ultimate One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese for Busy Weeknights

• 1 tbsp oil (15 ml)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (0.5 g) (optional, for heat)
• 1 lb ground beef (454 g)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1 tbsp chili powder (7 g)
• 14 oz can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (400 g)
• 14 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (400 g)
• 3 1/2 cups beef or chicken stock (840 ml)
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt (4 g, plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 g)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (1 g)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (0.5 g)
• 1 tsp sugar (4 g)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (15 ml)
• 1/3 cup frozen corn (55 g)
• 12 oz short pasta, elbow macaroni or similar (340 g)
• 2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend (225 g)
• For garnish: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or green onions (10 g), sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the veggies: Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

2. 2

   Cook the beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.

3. 3

   Add flavour: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavour. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Build the chili base: Mix in the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, soy sauce, sugar, and beef stock.

5. 5

   Add pasta and simmer: Stir in the pasta and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Don't overcook the pasta here—it will continue to sit in the hot sauce for a while, so cook just until al dente.

6. 6

   Cheesy finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese to make it creamy and cheesy.

7. 7

   Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

8. 8

   Garnish and serve: Top with chopped cilantro or green onions, and garnish with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and avocado if desired.