Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac

Delicious Instant Pot Chili Mac served in a bowl with toppings

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

If you are looking for a quick, filling, and delicious meal, Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac is the perfect choice. This one-pot dish combines the comforting flavors of chili and mac and cheese, making it a family favorite. You can prepare it in no time thanks to the Instant Pot, which speeds up the cooking process. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and beans into your meal without anyone noticing!

How to Make Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened.
  2. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
  4. Once cooked, do a quick release of the pressure.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  6. Serve hot.

How to Serve Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac

Serve your Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac in bowls. You can top it with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac

If you have leftovers, store your Chili Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing.

Tips to Make Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac

  • If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
  • Feel free to substitute the ground beef or turkey with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
  • Make sure to thoroughly scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent a burn warning during cooking.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the ingredients and store them separately, then cook them together when you’re ready to eat.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make this chili mac on the stovetop using a large pot. Just cook the ingredients at a simmer until the pasta is tender, usually around 10-12 minutes.

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Amazing Instant Pot Chili Mac


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A quick and delicious one-pot meal combining chili and mac and cheese flavors, perfect for the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened.
  2. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
  4. Once cooked, do a quick release of the pressure.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  6. Serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Substitute meat with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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