Chili Mac Recipe: A One Pot Dinner - On Sutton Place (2024)

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ByAnn Drake

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This hearty, one pot chili mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Easy and quick to make, it’s a great weeknight meal choice for your family!

When my mom began cooking for two, after my brothers and I left home, she made several recipes that she never made for our family. One of those dishes was a pot of chili. She put her own spin on it by leaving out the beans (because my dad really didn’t like them) and she added pasta instead. So what she was actually making was chili mac. This is her version.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Quick to make…it’s on the table in an hour.
  • Very family-friendly (not too spicy!)
  • Filling and delicious.
  • Makes a great busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

The Base

  • Ground beef: one pound is plenty, but if you like extra meaty chili, up the amount to 1 1/2 lbs.
  • Sweet onion: definitely don’t skip the onion! It lends the best flavor.
  • Campbell’s tomato soup: adds a unique tomato taste and helps thicken the chili.
  • Diced tomatoes:a great way to add a chunky texture.
  • Tomato juice: very flavorful.

Pasta

Mini pasta works best, and our favorite is Ditalini. Other good choices are:

Seasoning

  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chili seasoning packet: I use McCormick Mild Flavor, but use whatever chili seasoning blend your family likes best.

Cheese

If time permits, freshly shredded colby jack is delicious as a topper on this chili mac. If you’re short on time, the bagged variety works too!

Substitutions

  • Meat: equal amounts of ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
  • Spices: you can substitute spices for the seasoning packet. Begin with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add more to taste. Paprika or a small amount of cayenne pepper can also be added.
  • Tomato Juice: for a milder tomato flavor, chicken broth or beef broth can be substituted for the tomato juice.
  • Tomato Soup: tomato sauce is a good substitution for the tomato soup.
  • Pasta: it would slightly change the taste, but egg noodles can be substituted for the pasta.
  • Cheese: definitely use your favorite cheese. Good suggestions are Colby Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or bagged 4 cheese blend.
Chili Mac Recipe: A One Pot Dinner - On Sutton Place (4)

Note:soup making is not an exact science. I have made countless pots of soup, and no two have turned out the same. The measurements in all of my soup recipes are guidelines, and can easily be adjusted according to your family’s tastes.

see all my soup recipes

How to Make

This recipe is definitely at the beginner level. The only ingredient that needs chopped is the onions. It’s basically a dump and go dinner!

  • Add olive oil to a large dutch oven. On medium-high heat, add onion. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add ground chuck. Cook until done.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drain the excess fat from the pot.
  • Add tomato soup, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato juice.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta.
  • Bring to a second boil, stirring constantly so pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Reduce to medium heat.
  • Add 2 teaspoons chili seasoning. Add more until the chili has the taste you desire.
  • Stir to combine everything well.
  • Cover the pot and turn off the burner.
  • Let the chili sit for 30 minutes on the stovetop.
  • Serve very hot, topped with shredded cheese.

Cooking + Serving Tips

  • After the 30 minute resting time, the pasta may take on a life of its own. If the chili mac gets too thick, add more tomato juice. If more tomato juice is added, taste again, and add more chili seasoning if necessary.
  • This one pot chili mac recipe can be easily doubled to feed a crowd. You will need quite a big pot though!
  • Serve in bowls, topped with freshly grated colby jack cheese.
  • Chopped cilantro or chopped parsley would work great as garnishes.

Variations

  • You can, of course, add beans! Good choices are pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans.
  • Instead of serving chili mac as a soup, layer it. Traditional chili mac is served with the pasta on the bottom, topped by the tomato/hamburger mixture. It’s mixed up after it’s served.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is chili mac a Midwest thing?

Yes, it is…but it’s popular in other regions of the United States as well. Chili mac actually originated in Ohio, which is where I live. There are a couple of different theories.

Who created chili mac?

It could have begun in the 1940’s with a restaurant in Columbus, OH run by Teresa Marzetti. She named a dish much like chili mac after her brother-in-law, Johnny Marzetti. Most of us grew up eating various versions of Johnny Marzetti. Another possible source is that it originated in Cincinnati, OH and is associated with the Cincinnati Chili franchise. Cincinnati chili is pasta covered in chili, so it’s not exactly chili mac. No matter where it came from, it’s definitely a recipe that should be added to your rotation.

What to serve with chili mac?

A thick slice of crusty bread is a great idea, or make a loaf of this easy beer bread. This apple and romaine salad would be delicious, as well as this Honeycrisp apple salad.

Shop + Source

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More Easy Dinner Recipes

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Chili Mac Recipe: A One Pot Meal

This hearty, one pot chili mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Easy and quick to make, it's the weeknight meal choice for your family!

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5 from 4 votes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Ann Drake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

resting time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • small sweet onion (chopped)
  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cans Campbell's tomato soup (10.75 oz.)
  • 1 1/4 cups water (or one soup can)
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 1 c. ditalini pasta
  • 1 package chili seasoning mix
  • shredded cheese

Instructions

  • Add olive oil to a large dutch oven. On medium-high heat, add onion. Cook for 2 minutes. .

  • Add ground chuck. Cook until done.

  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

  • Drain the excess fat from the pot.

  • Add tomato soup, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato juice.

  • Bring to a boil.

  • Add pasta.

  • Bring to a second boil, stirring constantly so pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Reduce to medium heat.

  • Add 2 teaspoons chili seasoning. Add more until the chili has the taste you desire.

  • Stir to combine everything well.

  • Cover the pot and turn off the burner.

  • Let the chili sit for 30 minutes on the stovetop.

  • Serve very hot, topped with shredded cheese.

Notes

Beans can be added if desired.
If chili becomes too thick after pasta is fully cooked, add more tomato juice, followed by more chili seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 1233mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 978IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg

Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!

Chili Mac Recipe: A One Pot Dinner - On Sutton Place (9)
Chili Mac Recipe: A One Pot Dinner - On Sutton Place (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with chili mac? ›

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty meal on its own, but I love serving it with some cornbread. It would also go well with a side salad or even some biscuits! To make The Best One-Pot Chili Mac Recipe, start by browning your ground beef with the onion and garlic.

What do you serve at a chili dinner? ›

Chili is heavy and spicy, so think of lighter side dishes:
  • A tossed salad.
  • Cornbread.
  • Potato salad.
  • Coleslaw.
  • Steamed corn on the cob.
  • Fruit salad.
Jul 15, 2021

Is chili mac a northern thing? ›

It is a common dish in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States, and is also popular in other areas of the United States. Several variations of the dish exist, and prepared canned and boxed versions also exist. It can be a relatively inexpensive dish to prepare, and has been described as a comfort food.

What can I serve with chili instead of rice? ›

Discover 16 of our best side dishes to serve with chili.
  • 01 of 15. Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread. ...
  • 02 of 15. Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad. ...
  • 03 of 15. Savory Roasted Root Vegetables. ...
  • 04 of 15. Perfect Baked Potato. ...
  • 05 of 15. Ann's Dirty Rice. ...
  • 06 of 15. Cornbread Muffins I. ...
  • 07 of 15. Loaded Tater Tots. ...
  • 08 of 15. Creamy Spiced Coleslaw.
Feb 27, 2020

What is the difference between goulash and chili mac? ›

And while other components such as garlic, onions, broth, and tomato sauce are also common in American goulash, there is another key differentiator: evaporated milk. Combined with a greater volume of shredded cheese, chili mac typically takes on a creamier, thicker consistency.

What kind of bread is best with chili? ›

If you're still stuck on what to eat chili with, why not go with a tried-and-true classic? Corn bread, that is! My family loves to eat Jiffy cornbread with chili, and I'm sure we're not alone.

What do you put in a chili cook off potluck? ›

Chili Bar: Don't forget the chili bar condiments! Some ideas for chili mix-ins include bacon, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, fresh jalapenos, cornbread, lime wedges, and oyster crackers.

Which beans go in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What is another name for a Chili Mac? ›

American Chop Suey (Macaroni, Beef, and Cheese Skillet Casserole) Recipe. Beefaroni, chili mac, Johnny Marzetti: whatever you call it, this stuff is delicious.

What is Chili Mac made of? ›

On the table in just over 20 minutes, made with beef mince, pasta, beans, canned tomatoes, everyday spices, and some kind of cheese, it's sinfully scrumptious!

Is Chili Mac discontinued? ›

We're sorry our Chili Mac has been discontinued.

What is chili called without beans? ›

Commercial chili prepared without beans is usually called "chili no beans" in the United States.

What vegetables go well with chili? ›

7. Sweet Potatoes
SummerFallWinter
Bell PeppersSweet PotatoesOnions
CornKaleSpinach
ZucchiniBrussels SproutsKale
Summer SquashSweet Potatoes
1 more row
Nov 3, 2023

Do Mexicans eat chilli with rice? ›

The chili would often be served with white rice. If you mean chips as in fish and chips, then some would serve those or maybe do half and half. I have seen it described as Mexican and Tex-Mex, depending on the writer or cook book. In most cook books it is usually served with rice or bread, never chips/fries.

What is macaroni traditionally served with? ›

In terms of sauce, the traditional Italian dish for macaroni is often served with a tomato-based sauce. This sauce can be made with substances such as tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil or oregano. Sometimes, meat or seafood might also additionally be delivered to the sauce to enhance its flavor.

What comes on Steak and Shake chili mac? ›

Spaghetti topped with chili beef and our special chili sauce.

What to serve with mac and cheese as main dish? ›

Simple vegetable side dishes like carrots, green beans or broccoli are another classic side to macaroni cheese – I like to keep my green beans tender, bright green and with a little bite to them still. You can choose to serve a simple plate of steamed or sauteed green beans.

Do you serve chili with rice or pasta? ›

You need crampons, not a spoon, to conquer this rapidly solidifying, stodge-mountain of carbs, meat and thick sauce. No, there is a reason why white (longer grain, eg basmati) rice is the go-to chilli accompaniment.

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