One-Pot Tex-Mex Chili Mac

This One-Pot Tex-Mex Chili Mac with Corn is a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that perfectly combines the bold flavors of chili with tender macaroni, sweet corn, and protein-packed black beans. Finished with a melty nacho-style cheese topping, it is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just one pot for incredibly easy cleanup.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that satisfies a hungry crowd, this dish delivers. The combination of creamy cheese and savory vegetable broth ensures the macaroni is infused with flavor, while the addition of bell peppers and corn provides a delightful texture and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• Pasta and Legumes: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice), 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed.
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup (150 g) frozen or canned corn (drained), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional).
• Liquids: 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Spices: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Toppings: 1½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional sliced green onions, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Bloom Spices

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Base

Mix in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil. Add macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Melt Cheese

Uncover, stir well, and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit off heat for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or tortilla chips as desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this dish effectively, you will need a large Dutch oven or deep skillet with a lid, a chef's knife, a cutting board, and a wooden spoon. Note that this recipe contains wheat (gluten) and milk (cheese). For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese or omit the cheese topping entirely. If you are not following a vegetarian diet, you can add cooked ground beef or turkey for extra protein. You can also easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder depending on your preference.

Serviervorschläge

For the best experience, serve the Chili Mac immediately while the cheese is gooey. Leftovers keep well when refrigerated for up to 3 days. Each serving provides approximately 430 calories, 12 g of total fat, 63 g of carbohydrates, and 17 g of protein, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

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Enjoy this flavorful, one-pot Tex-Mex creation that brings comfort and spice to your dinner table with minimal effort. It is a reliable favorite that proves hearty meals don't need complicated steps or multiple pans.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Add more jalapeño, increase the chili powder to 1 tablespoon, or incorporate a diced habanero for serious heat. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side.

→ What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells, cavatappi, or penne also work well. The key is choosing pasta that cooks in roughly 10-12 minutes.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, though the texture may soften slightly. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of broth.

→ How do I make it vegan?

Use plant-based shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Ensure your pasta brand is egg-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

→ Can I add meat?

Brown 1 pound ground beef or turkey with the onion in step 1. Drain excess fat before continuing with the spices. You may want to reduce the beans to one can.