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Instant pot chili mac in a white bowl
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4.78 from 22 votes

Chili Mac Recipe

Our easy Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try! A family favorite recipe, this dish is easy to make and so delicious. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Cook Time13 minutes
Total Time13 minutes
Course: Instant Pot Beef Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili mac and cheese, chili mac recipe, instant pot chili mac
Servings: 6
Calories: 619kcal
Author: Isabel Laessig

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. chili seasoning mix
  • 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 15.5 oz. can pinto beans drained
  • 16 oz. boxed pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ 3.5 oz. can tomato sauce small can
  • Salt and pepper to taste

See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

Instructions

  • Set your Instant Pot to saute mode. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Allow the oil to heat, then add in ½ a chopped onion and 1 Tbsp. minced garlic. Cook down for 2-3 minutes until soft.
    Cooking onions and garlic in the instant pot
  • Add 1 lb. ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking down as the beef cooks. Allow it to sear a little on one side before you start to break it up, for best results.
    Browned ground beef in the instant pot
  • Once beef browns, add 2 Tbsp. chili seasoning mix plus salt and pepper to taste, then pour in 1 can drained pinto beans and 5 cups beef broth. Finally, add ½ small can tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and 16 oz. uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged!
    Adding tomato sauce and pasta to the instant pot
  • Lock the lid into place and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release when the time is up. To finish the dish, mix in 1 cup milk and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until fully mixed through.
    Instant pot chili mac in the pot topped with cheese

Video

Notes

  • Want a slightly more al dente pasta? Cook for around 3 minutes instead of 5.
  • Scrape up those brown bits from the bottom of the pot! This will add so much flavor to your chili pasta.
  • Try adding your favorite chili toppings! We keep it simple with our ground beef mac and cheese, but you can add toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, onion, or even jalapenos, if you like.

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g