Hey there, foodies! If you’re like me, chili is a weekly go-to dish in your house. But sometimes, I like to switch things up a bit! This One Pot Chipotle Chilli Mac n Cheese combines all the comfort of a hearty chili with the cheesy goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese. The result? A mouthwatering, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor, spices, and tons of melted cheese! Whether you’re using leftover chili or making it fresh, this dish is perfect for any night of the week.
Method
Cook the Veggies
Start by heating a spray of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens. This step will bring out their natural sweetness and fragrance, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Brown the Beef
Next, add the 500g of lean beef mince to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure the beef is browned and fully cooked. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure the meat is cooked through and no longer pink, ensuring a rich and hearty texture for your dish.
Add the Spices
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in the crushed garlic, chipotle paste, and tomato purée. Mix them well with the beef and veggies to release their aroma and depth of flavor. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about 2 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop fully, making your chili base deliciously aromatic.
Add the Liquids and Beans
Now, it’s time to add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the 1.5 tins of chopped tomatoes, along with the drained and rinsed kidney beans. For extra creaminess, mash half of the beans before adding them to the pot. This will give the dish a smooth, velvety texture. Next, pour in the 800ml of beef stock and stir everything together to combine. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, ensuring all the flavors mix nicely.
Cook the Pasta
Once the liquid is simmering, add the 400g of macaroni to the pot. Stir the pasta into the mixture, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pasta cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the macaroni to make sure it absorbs the flavors and becomes tender, but not mushy.
Cheese it Up
When the macaroni is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness. Sprinkle the 30g of reduced-fat cheddar cheese and the 90g of mozzarella cheese mix evenly over the pasta. Once the cheese is added, transfer the pot to a hot grill (under broil) for a few minutes. Grill until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown. This will give the dish a wonderful cheesy topping that adds extra richness and flavor to every bite.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chopping board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if grating the cheese yourself)
- Oven (for grilling)
One Pot Chipotle Chilli Mac n Cheese A Flavorful Twist on Chili Nights!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
A spray of olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
500g lean beef mince (5% fat)
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp chipotle paste
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1/2 tbsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1.5 tins of chopped tomatoes
1 tin of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
800ml beef stock
400g macaroni
30g reduced-fat cheddar cheese
90g mozzarella cheese mix
Directions
- Cook the veggies Start by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Brown the beef Add the beef mince to the pot, cooking it until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up with a spoon so it cooks evenly.
- Add the spices Stir in the crushed garlic, chipotle paste, and tomato purée. Then add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the flavors meld.
- Add the liquids and beans Pour in the chopped tomatoes, kidney beans (mash half of them for extra creaminess!), and beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Cook the pasta Stir in the macaroni and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.
- Cheese it up Once the pasta is ready, top the dish with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Then, pop the pot under a hot grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Watch the pasta Keep an eye on the macaroni while it cooks. Stir it occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Don’t skip mashing the beans Mashing half of the beans creates a creamy, thicker sauce that adds more texture to the dish.
- Grilling the cheese Be careful not to over-grill the cheese. Just a few minutes under the broiler will give you that perfect golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions
- With a side salad A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the richness of the mac ‘n’ cheese perfectly.
- As a topping for nachos Why not serve this as a topping for tortilla chips for a loaded nacho night?
- Topped with sour cream A dollop of sour cream on top balances out the spiciness and adds a creamy texture.
- With a side of cornbread Cornbread adds a delicious sweetness to this spicy, savory dish.
Fun Fact
Did you know that chili originated in the United States, particularly in Texas, in the 1800s? It’s said that cowboys used to cook up beef and beans over an open fire for a hearty meal during their long cattle drives. Now, we’re adding a cheesy twist with mac ‘n’ cheese to make it even more comforting!
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chipotle Chilli Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the perfect balance of spice, cheese, and comfort all in one dish. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using up some leftover chili, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the perfect mix of chili and mac ‘n’ cheese that’s both filling and flavorful. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
