25-Minute One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac

Time: 25 Minutes Yield: 4-6 servings

Get ready for the ultimate mashup of two comfort food classics—in a single pot! This 25-Minute One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac is fast, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful. Imagine tender elbow macaroni cooked right in a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy chili sauce, packed with protein-rich beans and aromatic vegetables. It’s the perfect lazy dinner solution: maximum cozy flavor, minimum cleanup. This is a game-day favorite and a weeknight champion, all rolled into one quick, satisfying, plant-based meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 25-Minute Dinner Dash: The fastest way to get decadent, comforting chili and mac on the table.
• One-Pot Perfection: Pasta cooks directly in the sauce, eliminating draining and extra cleanup.
• Hearty & Protein-Packed: Loaded with beans, lentils (optional), and rich sauce for a filling meal.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Smoky, cheesy (thanks to nutritional yeast), and satisfyingly thick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili Mac:

• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (170g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
• 1/4 cup (25g) nutritional yeast (essential for “cheesy” flavor)
• 2 tbsp (30g) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5g) cumin
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Seasoning Base: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook and stir for 1 minute to toast the spices, deepening the flavor base.
3. Add Liquids & Pasta: Add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and vegetable broth. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
4. Simmer & Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Stir frequently (every 2-3 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Finish Sauce & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety consistency. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to restore moisture, as the pasta will absorb the sauce upon chilling.

Helpful Tips

1. Stir Frequently: For one-pot mac and cheese or chili mac, frequent stirring is crucial to prevent the small pasta shapes and beans from sticking to the bottom.
2. Nutritional Yeast Power: Use a quality nutritional yeast brand, as its flavor defines the “cheesiness” in this dish.
3. Add Acidity: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice stirred in at the end can brighten the overall flavor and balance the richness of the chili.
4. Use Small Pasta: Elbow macaroni or small shells work best in this one-pot method because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free elbow macaroni or small shells, and ensure your vegetable broth is also GF.

Q: Can I freeze Chili Mac? A: Yes. Chili Mac freezes well, but the pasta texture will be slightly softer upon thawing. Freeze in small portions for best results.

Q: Can I use different types of beans? A: Absolutely. Great northern beans, pinto beans, or lentils can all be substituted for the kidney or black beans.

Q: Why is my sauce too thin? A: If the sauce is too thin after 12 minutes of simmering, simply leave the lid off and simmer for an extra 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the desired thickness is reached.

Conclusion

This 25-Minute One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac is the answer to your weeknight comfort cravings! It’s fast, incredibly easy to clean up, and delivers a robust, smoky, and satisfying flavor that the whole family will love.