Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes with the help of your electric pressure cooker.

This Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate combination of two favorites – Chili and Mac ‘n Cheese.

In my book, things don’t get much better…

I guarantee that you will want to make this recipe over and over again! It’s loaded with beef, cheese, beans, tomatoes and all your favorite chili spices. Plus, the best part is that it’ll be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese:

  • Brown the ground beef and remove it to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Cook the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
  • Add in the canned tomatoes, pasta, beans and broth. Cook on HIGH for 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the cheese and enjoy!
Overhead close up of bowl of chili mac.

What spices go in chili mac?

  • Add in your usual chili seasoning blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano and cayenne, and then let it all simmer for about 15 minutes.

What’s the Best Cheese for Chili Mac and Cheese?

This Instant Pot Chili Mac can easily be adjusted to suit your personal tastes:

  • Not a fan of ground beef? You can also use ground turkey, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian-friendly chili mac.
  • Want more veggies? Add in a cup of frozen corn kernels, sliced zucchini or an extra bell pepper.
  • Like more heat? Add in more cayenne pepper or chop up a jalapeno pepper and add that along with the bell pepper.
  • Don’t like kidney beans? You can also use black beans, white beans, or leave the beans out entirely.
Overhead close up of bowl of chili mac.

How Do I Make Chili Mac and Cheese on the Stove?

  • If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this Chili Mac on the stove. In Step 4, instead of sealing the instant pot and cooking, add the pasta to your pan and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.

Wine Pairing with Chili Mac and Cheese: 

  • Zinfandel pairs nicely with the sweet pepper flavors and sharp cheddar.
  • If you’re looking for lighter wine option, try a Rosé or a Chenin Blanc. Both of these wines have enough body to stand up to this hearty dish.

More chili recipes:

More Instant Pot recipes:

🍽 What to serve with it

If you loved this Instant Pot Chili Mac I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings. 

Overhead close up of bowl of chili mac.

Instant Pot Chili Mac & Cheese

Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes with the help of your electric pressure cooker. 
5 from 21 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Time for Pressure to Build: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 cups bone broth (or chicken broth or beef broth)
  • 14 oz can red kidney beans (drained)
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked (½ lb)(2 cups))
  • 2 cups Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar (shredded)
  • Cilantro (finely chopped for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for topping)

Instructions

  • Set Instant Pot to SAUTE, add ground beef and brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain fat.
  • Add olive oil to pot. One hot, add onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add red pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne. Saute 1 minute longer.
  • Add broth and scrape browned bits from bottom of pot. Return ground beef to pot along with beans, tomatoes and macaroni. Stir, making sure that all pasta is covered with liquid.
  • Cover and seal the lid – turn the vent to sealing. Hit CANCEL then press the MANUAL (high pressure) button and set the timer to 4 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes for Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the display will show a countdown timer.
  • When finished, quick-release the pressure before removing the lid. Stir in cheese and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve garnished with cilantro and sour cream. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 542kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1473mg | Potassium: 1154mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1725IU | Vitamin C: 48.1mg | Calcium: 384mg | Iron: 6.5mg

21 thoughts on “Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese”

  1. 5 stars
    Yes, this is comfort food to the max! I added jalapeño and a little extra cayenne for some extra spice… it turned out perfect. Will be making this again before winter is over!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    I just made this for my family and it was fantastic especially on this cold snowy day in MN. Thank you fOr sharing as I have book marked your site,

    Reply
  3. I have a question… as I have not made this yet, but it looks and sounds yummy! Is the nutritional information per serving, or total for the entire dish?

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    Hi Erin,

    This is the 3rd recipe I’ve made from your site and so far, all have been a home run!! This is by far THE best chili Mac recipe! (I did add a jalapeño, corn and an additional pepper.) Will definitely make this again. Next up on the docket is your salted Carmel banana bread!! Thanks so much for the wonderful recipes!!

    Reply
  5. Noodles were perfect! So happy to find IP recipes that don’t require separate pasta cooking. Not sure if I prefer this or your IP Beef Stroganoff though. lol

    Reply

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