Introduction

Instant Pot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup — hearty chili meets cheesy macaroni, all made in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, warm spices, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese.

With the Instant Pot, you can get slow-cooked chili flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together two of the most comforting classics—hearty chili and cheesy macaroni—into one bowl of pure comfort food. The flavors of seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices meld beautifully with tender pasta, while the melted cheddar ties everything together with that creamy, gooey richness we all crave.

What makes me especially love this dish is its simplicity and speed. Thanks to the Instant Pot, what would normally take over an hour to simmer and cook is ready in a fraction of the time, with almost no babysitting. Everything cooks in one pot—no extra pans, no multiple steps—which means less mess and more time to enjoy the meal.

It’s also incredibly family-friendly. Kids love it for the cheesy pasta, adults love it for the chili flavors, and everyone leaves the table satisfied. It’s the perfect middle ground between a cozy homemade dinner and a fun, slightly indulgent treat.

Lastly, I love how versatile it is—you can spice it up, make it milder, add extra veggies, or swap in different cheeses to fit your mood. It’s reliable, customizable, and absolutely delicious, making it a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want something filling, comforting, and easy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the bold, zesty flavors of chili with the creamy comfort of cheesy macaroni, creating a one-pot wonder that satisfies on every level. It’s hearty, flavorful, and filling—everything you could want in a family dinner.

The Instant Pot magic makes it even more appealing: no need to juggle multiple pans or wait hours for flavors to develop. In under 30 minutes, you have a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. That alone makes it a recipe worth keeping in your weekly rotation.

Another reason it’s a must-try is its crowd-pleasing nature. It’s ideal for feeding kids, weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. Everyone from picky eaters to spice lovers can enjoy it, and you can easily adjust the seasonings or toppings to match different preferences.

Most importantly, this dish is comfort food at its best. The combination of chili’s warmth and pasta’s coziness, all topped with gooey melted cheddar, makes every bite irresistible. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces, Instant Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar is the dish you absolutely need to try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus pressure release)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chili Mac

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked)

For the Cheese Finish

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Sauté the beef and vegetables

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil.
2. Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add seasonings

1. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 3: Add liquids and pasta

1. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce; stir well.
2. Add macaroni, pressing it into the liquid (do not stir too much to avoid sticking).

Step 4: Pressure cook

1. Cancel Sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes.
2. Once done, allow 5 minutes natural release, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Step 5: Add the cheese

1. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or cilantro.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Perfect with a crisp green salad on the side.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spice Level: Increase chili powder or add cayenne for more heat.
• Cheese Mix: Combine cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra creaminess.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes — simmer everything in a large pot until pasta is cooked, then stir in cheese.

Q2: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 3 minutes under pressure to avoid mushiness.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — skip the beef and use vegetable broth and beans instead.

Q4: What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor, but you can mix in mild cheeses for creaminess.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Cheddar is the perfect balance of hearty chili comfort and cheesy pasta indulgence. It’s quick, filling, and endlessly adaptable — the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again.