Save Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this One-Pot Tex-Mex Chili Mac with Corn. This dish combines the bold, smoky flavors of a classic chili with the creamy, satisfying texture of macaroni and cheese. It is a vibrant, hearty meal featuring black beans, sweet corn, and a golden layer of melted cheddar that is sure to please the whole family.
Save The secret to this dish lies in how the macaroni absorbs the savory broth and spices as it cooks, creating a rich sauce right in the pan. With a prep time of only 10 minutes, you can have a steaming, nutritious dinner on the table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Vegetables & Beans: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned), 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- Spices: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cheese Topping: 1½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Garnishes: Sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add Peppers and Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Beans
- Add the sweet corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Add Liquid
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Season and Add Pasta
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Step 6: Simmer
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn't stick, until the macaroni is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7: Melt the Cheese
- Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, topped with green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your pasta is cooked perfectly, use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to distribute heat evenly. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender, you can add a splash more broth or water during the simmering stage.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a meat-based version, brown ½ pound of ground beef or turkey with the onions at the start. To make it vegan, simply use plant-based cheese or omit it. You can also swap the black beans for pinto or kidney beans depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this chili mac in deep bowls to keep it warm. Adding a side of crunchy tortilla chips provides a great texture contrast. For extra freshness, don't skimp on the lime juice or fresh cilantro at the very end.
Save This One-Pot Tex-Mex Chili Mac with Corn is the perfect solution for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the comforting blend of cheese, pasta, and spice in every bite!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the cheddar with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. The result is still creamy and satisfying.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other small shapes like shells, penne, or rotini work equally well. Choose pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
- → Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely. Brown ½ pound of ground beef or turkey with the onion in step 1. Drain excess fat before continuing with the remaining ingredients.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The pasta may absorb more liquid, so add broth as needed.
- → Is this spicy?
The cayenne provides mild heat that most people enjoy. For more spice, add jalapeños, increase cayenne, or use hot salsa. For less heat, omit cayenne entirely.