Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This incredibly easy and quick **Instant Pot chili mac** recipe combines the hearty flavors of chili with the comforting familiarity of macaroni and cheese, all in one pot. Featuring savory **ground beef** and wholesome beans, this dish cooks in just 5 minutes of active pressure cooking time, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy families. It’s a delicious, classic goulash-style meal with tender elbow macaroni noodles that promises to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Crockpot Express, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort, delivering a complete meal in under 15 minutes of total cook time.
Chili mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food, and preparing it in your Instant Pot simplifies the process dramatically. This recipe is a fantastic addition to our extensive collection of Instant Pot recipes, offering plenty of flexibility to suit your family’s preferences. Want it mild? Use diced tomatoes. Craving a bit of heat? Opt for Rotel. And for those who believe everything is better with cheese, we’ve got you covered with tips for a wonderfully **cheesy chili mac** experience!
Why Instant Pot Chili Mac is a Weeknight Game-Changer
As parents of three, macaroni is practically a pantry staple in our home. We’re also huge fans of Instant Pot chili for its rich flavor and quick preparation. Combining these two beloved dishes into one easy dinner idea was a no-brainer! This recipe not only cuts down on cooking time but also minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for those hectic evenings. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or load it up with extra cheddar, this chili mac is designed for convenience and deliciousness.
One of the many advantages of using a versatile kitchen appliance like the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi is its multi-functional capabilities. While this recipe is fantastic as is, the Ninja Foodi, for instance, offers the added benefit of being able to melt and brown a glorious layer of cheese on top at the end, creating a delightful crispy crust that elevates the dish even further.
Essential Tips for Pressure Cooking Success
If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, rest assured you’re in good hands! We have a plethora of easy, one-pot meal recipes designed to build your confidence. To help you get started, here are a few fundamental tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We consistently add new and exciting dishes each week!
- Print this invaluable Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It will be your guide to understanding precisely how long meats, vegetables, and beans take to cook perfectly in your pressure cooker.
- I highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot.
- While it’s important to know how to deglaze your pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick liner significantly reduces the chances of food sticking and triggering “burn” notices. It truly is a game-changer!
For reference, the model I rely on for all my recipe creations is a versatile 6-quart Instant Pot.
The beauty of this chili mac recipe lies in its incredibly short cooking time under pressure. While it does take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure, which is standard for any pressure-cooked meal, the actual cook time once pressure is reached is remarkably brief. Once done, a generous topping of cheese is always our recommendation – because everything is better with lots of gooey, melted cheese, y’all!
Easy Instant Pot Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Beans
The foundation of a great chili mac starts with the right protein. While a package of lean **ground beef** (80/20 blend works wonderfully for flavor and texture) is the most common choice, feel free to get creative. For those who enjoy a little kick, a roll of spicy ground sausage can introduce a delightful warmth. Alternatively, a blend of half spicy sausage and half ground beef offers a balanced flavor profile. If you have ground turkey on hand, it makes for an excellent leaner protein option without sacrificing heartiness. Similarly, if pinto beans are your preference over kidney beans, swap them in! Just ensure you choose beans with slightly firmer skins so they maintain their shape when cooked under high pressure.
Instant Pot Chili Mac No Beans? Absolutely!
We understand that not everyone is a fan of beans, and that’s perfectly fine! If you prefer your chili mac without them, simply omit them from the recipe. While we personally find beans essential for the classic chili mac experience, you should always tailor your dishes to your taste. You won’t need to adjust any other ingredients if you leave the beans out, though it’s worth noting that the final consistency might be a bit soupier. Embrace your culinary preferences and make this dish truly your own!
If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of a multi-cooker kitchen appliance, I cannot recommend it enough. It truly is a genius invention that I use almost every night. This **Instant Pot chili mac** is undeniably one of the easiest Instant Pot pasta recipes you will ever master, making it a perfect entry point for beginners and a go-to for seasoned cooks.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef in Instant Pot Chili Mac?
Ideally, your ground beef should be thawed before beginning this recipe to ensure even cooking and optimal browning. However, if you find yourself with frozen ground beef, don’t fret! You can absolutely learn how to defrost frozen ground beef in your Instant Pot first, then proceed with the recipe as directed. For seasoning, a pre-packaged chili seasoning packet is wonderfully convenient. If you don’t have one, a blend of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, dehydrated onions, and a touch of chili powder makes a fantastic homemade alternative.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chili Mac
Let’s dive into the core ingredients that make this **Instant Pot chili mac** so irresistible:
- Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef for this recipe. For an extra layer of flavor and a subtle heat, sometimes I’ll use a 1/2 lb of ground beef and a 1/2 lb of spicy ground sausage.
- Onions: Diced white or yellow onions are optional but highly recommended for adding texture and depth of flavor to your dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: We prefer petite diced tomatoes, and it’s crucial not to drain them. The liquid from the can contributes significantly to the rich, deep flavor of the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: An 8 oz can of tomato sauce makes the chili mac richer and thicker. For a unique twist, consider using red enchilada sauce for a spicy kick or even spaghetti sauce in a pinch.
- Kidney Beans: Canned kidney beans are best, and like the diced tomatoes, do not drain them. The liquid from the beans is essential for the pressure cooking process, helping to cook everything together perfectly.
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni noodles are traditional for chili mac, but any small pasta shape will work beautifully. Use whatever you have on hand!
- Beef Broth: One cup of beef broth (or water) provides the necessary liquid for the pasta to cook and for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the ground beef and onions, adding a foundational layer of flavor.
- Chili Seasoning Packet: A single packet of chili seasoning makes flavoring this dish incredibly easy. A packet of taco seasoning can also be used for a slightly different, but equally delicious, profile.
- Chili Powder: An optional addition for more heat. If you’re using spicy ground sausage, you might want to omit this or adjust to taste.
- Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for topping! We love a Mexican blend, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also work wonderfully for that extra ooey-gooey factor.
For an added layer of mild flavor without increasing the spice, I often include a small can of diced green chiles. These come in hot, medium, or mild varieties, allowing you to customize your **chili mac** to your desired flavor profile.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Chili Mac
One of the best things about this **Instant Pot chili mac** is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different small pasta shapes – shells, ditalini, or even cavatappi can be fun alternatives to elbow macaroni. I often use whatever pasta is on sale, proving that a delicious meal doesn’t have to be expensive! Being frugal with ingredients is smart and still yields fantastic results.
Beyond beef, you can easily switch up the protein. Ground sausage or ground turkey work just as well and follow the same browning process using the sauté function before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. If you don’t have chili seasoning, a packet of fajita seasoning can offer a tasty alternative, though it typically brings a bit more heat. For an extra indulgent **cheesy chili mac**, stir in some shredded cheese once the cooking is complete, then sprinkle another 3/4 cup on top. If you’re using a Ninja Foodi, you can then use its crisping lid at 400°F for a few minutes to achieve a beautifully melted and slightly browned cheese crust.
Top Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Chili Mac
Achieving a perfect **Instant Pot chili mac** every time is easy with a few simple precautions. First, while I’ve never personally had issues, some Instant Pot users report false “burn” notifications when stirring all ingredients together before pressure cooking. If your pot tends to be sensitive, I highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot. It truly is a game-changer and will likely prevent burn notices altogether. Always remember to face the lid away from your face when performing a quick release of pressure to avoid being overheated by the steam.
Instant Pot Chili Mac Recipe
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Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
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1 spatula wooden best
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion, diced, optional
- 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, or spicy ground sausage for spicy
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 15 oz
- 1 can tomato sauce, 8 oz., or red enchilada sauce for spicy
- 1 can kidney beans, 15 oz
- 1 c elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 c beef broth, or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pkg. chili seasoning packet, or 1 tbsp seasoning salt, or 1 pkg. taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder, optional – more or less depending on spice level desired
Instructions
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Turn Instant Pot to sauté function and add olive oil, diced onions (if using), and ground beef.
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Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Turn off the Instant Pot.
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Pour in your undrained can of kidney beans, diced tomatoes (also undrained), sprinkle in the chili seasoning packet, and add the tomato sauce. Stir these ingredients together well. Pour in the beef broth. Finally, sprinkle the uncooked macaroni noodles on top, but do NOT stir them into the mixture! Gently push the noodles down with a spoon to submerge them into the liquid, ensuring they remain on the top layer. (Stirring the noodles into the bottom can sometimes lead to a “burn” notice.)
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Close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select the Manual (or Pressure Cook) function, set to high pressure, and cook for 4 minutes. (If you prefer your noodles more al dente, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes.)
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid, facing it away from you to avoid steam. Give the chili mac a good stir. Serve immediately, topped generously with your favorite shredded cheese!
Nutrition
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 662mg
Potassium: 782mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 705IU
Vitamin C: 15mg
Calcium: 57mg
Iron: 3.7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Mac
The distinction between goulash and chili mac is often subtle and can vary regionally. Generally, both are hearty pasta and meat dishes. Chili mac, as the name suggests, always features chili-like seasonings and often beans. Classic American goulash, however, may sometimes include evaporated milk for a creamier, thicker consistency and is traditionally less spicy, though it’s common to stir in cheddar cheese to make it “ooey gooey thick.” Ultimately, both are comforting, satisfying meals.
Chili mac is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, packed with protein, pasta, and vegetables. Therefore, a side dish isn’t strictly necessary. However, if you wish to complement it, a slice of warm garlic bread or a simple side salad makes an excellent choice for a healthier touch. In many Southern regions, you might find it served with a crusty breadstick. If you opt to prepare a bean-free version or prefer to offer more protein, serving it alongside separate hamburger patties is also a great option.
More Delicious One-Pot Meals You’ll Love
The printable recipe for this incredible **Instant Pot chili mac** is provided above for your convenience. Remember, any small noodle will work, so choose your favorite shape! I particularly love easy recipes like this, especially during the summer months when turning on the oven is the last thing I want to do in 100-degree weather. If you’re always on the lookout for more cheap Instant Pot recipes that don’t compromise on flavor, you’re in the right place!
- Our Instant Pot orange chicken offers a healthier, unbreaded version bursting with vibrant flavors.
- This easy Instant Pot white chicken chili is another family-favorite dish that kids adore.
Craving a slow-cooked version? You can also make Crockpot chili mac! For perfect pasta texture, remember that 3 minutes of pressure cooking will yield more al dente noodles, while 4-5 minutes will result in a slightly softer consistency. Enjoy these delicious and simple one-pot meals!
