One-Pot Chili Mac is a classic American dish loved for outdoor cooking activities. My friend and I tried this recipe on our trip, and it quickly became our campsite favorite. It’s insanely delicious and super convenient for easy camping meals. Plus, it’s a total win for anyone who loves a quick, yummy meal under the stars!
Ready to make your next camping trip unforgettable? Let’s dive into this simple and hearty recipe!
Contents
Main Ingredients
This is the perfect recipe to serve 4 people.
| Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes |
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ pound ground beef (or plant-based ground meat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 ½ cups beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped red onion, jalapeños, green onions
Equipment
To cook One-Pot Chili Mac while camping, pack the following equipments:
- Cook Pot: You should use a big pot for boiling or a 10-inch Dutch oven for baking. Ensure that your container is strong enough and the size bit large enough to contain all these ingredients.
- Camping stove: A reliable camping stove with the ability to simmer and windproof is perfect. It helps produce even cooking results and makes the whole process easier. However, you can cook over a campfire if that is what you want
- Spatula: You should use a heat-resistant silicone or nylon spoon to stir and mix the food without scratching the pot. For me, a medium or large spoon works better when cooking this heavy meal in one pot.
How to Make One-Pot Chilli Mac
If you’re ready to dig into this One-Pot Chili Mac recipe, follow along with me in the instructions below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, pour oil over medium heat and place it in a cook pot. Once the oil is hot, stir in the chopped onions and cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Second, add the ground beef, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the skillet over a medium-high heat. I then gently mix up the meat and the spices with a spatula and add more tomato sauce. Finally after the mixture becomes golden brown in color add the garlic and fry for like 30-60 seconds.
Note: In my personal experience, beef or vegetable broth both go great with One-Pot Chilli Mac!
Third, add the macaroni and kidney beans and beef broth or vegetable broth into the mixture. Finally, mix them up and cover the pot before allowing it to simmer for 5-6 minutes or half depending on your type of Macaroni.
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the type of macaroni you use, check the packaging and adjust according to the manufacturer’s recommended time.
Finally, take off the lid on top and add the cheddar cheese and mix until it has melted. Then you can serve it with jalapenos!
Note: If you don’t have jalapenos, you can serve One-Pot Chilli Mac with any pepper you like.
Topping Ideas (Optional)
If you want to take One-Pot Chilli Mac to the next level, you might consider the following toppings:
- Drained kidney beans or black beans
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Pickled jalapenos
- A splash of hot sauce
- Fritos or tortilla chips for extra crunch
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Frozen corn kernels
Depending on the ingredients you have available or your eating habits on the camping trip to choose the appropriate topping!
How To Store Leftovers
The One-Pot Chili Mac will be good for the next day! Seal in an airtight glass jar and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days or keep frozen for 1-2 weeks. If you wish to prepare a meal in advance or the leftovers should be frozen, it is better to portion the dish and put it into the refrigerator for 5 days maximum or into the freezer for 90 days maximum.
Note: However, you should remember that the noodles will keep on softening as they keep on absorbing moisture from the sauce, so if you are someone like me who doesn’t like your noodles too soft, then probably macaroni is not the best thing to keep for the next day.
For use, the frozen portion should be defrosted by placing it in a refrigerator overnight and then heated using the microwave or stove top. Nevertheless, this food is still tasty and easy when prepared as a leftover meal.
Conclusion
Have you tried this dish yet? If you loved this recipe, I’d be thrilled if you could share your thoughts or tasty result at greententlife.com!
Immediately Contact Us if you have any questions about this recipe.