Instant Pot Chili Mac combines the bold flavors of chili with elbow macaroni and shredded cheese, all effortlessly prepared in one pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
This recipe has been a family favorite for quite some time. It is the recipe that everyone askes for as a birthday meal or family game night. I like it because it is so easy to make. Its a win-win all around.
Why You’ll Love It
- Family-Friendly: Finding a meal that the whole family can enjoy can sometimes be a challenge, but Instant Pot Chili Mac is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
- Warm and Comforting: When you need a comforting and soul-warming meal to lift your spirits on a cold or rainy day, this dish does the job. Its hearty combination of chili and mac and cheese provides a sense of comfort and contentment that’s hard to beat.
- Versatile Leftovers: Instant Pot Chili Mac leftovers make for excellent next-day meals. Whether you’re reheating it for lunch or transforming it into a tasty chili mac casserole, it’s a versatile and delicious option for reducing food waste.
» You might also like this Instant Pot Mac & Cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooking Oil – Use any cooking oil you like (vegetable, canola, olive oil)
- Onion – I use yellow or white onion.
- Green Bell Pepper – Red or yellow bell peppers can be substituted for a sweeter twist.
- Garlic – Make sure your garlic is fresh for the best flavor and aroma.
- Lean Ground Beef – I like to use a 90/10 or leaner beef so I don’t have to strain the grease out of the pot.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – Rotel is another option.
- Tomato Paste
- Seasonings: Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt
- Beef Broth – Use low sodium beef broth to keep the salt level low.
- Dry Elbow Macaroni – Dry elbow macaroni is available in most grocery stores and you can also use whole-grain or gluten-free versions.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – You can use a pre-shredded cheese or shred your own.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Chili Mac
- The pasta will thicken as it sits, so if it’s too soupy, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- You can adjust the spiciness of this dish by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Be cautious about the cooking time, as pasta can become overcooked and mushy. Use the minimum recommended time in our recipe and adjust based on your preference.
- Add the garlic in with the ground beef. This will keep the garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Chili Mac
Step 1: Saute
Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add the cooking oil. Once hot, add the onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add in the garlic and the ground beef and crumble while cooking, until browned, about 5 minutes.
Turn off saute mode.
Step 2: Pour in ingredients
Pour in the whole can of tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir to combine. Remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Pour in the beef broth. Then pour the macaroni on top. Don’t stir, but push the noodles down so they are submerged.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model).
Set to cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. When the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir.
Sprinkle on the cheese and stir until melted. The pasta will thicken as it sits, so if it’s too soupy, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
Stovetop: To reheat, place your desired portion in a saucepan with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the chili mac is warmed through.
Microwave: For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe container, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or small shells. Just be mindful of potential variations in cooking time.
Is there a keto-friendly adaptation of this recipe?
To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can substitute the macaroni with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Be sure to use low-carb, sugar-free alternatives for the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato paste.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To control the spiciness, you can reduce or increase the amount of chili powder used. If you prefer a milder version, you can even omit the chili powder entirely or use a mild chili powder variety.
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Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.