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Home » Creative Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes » Instant Pot Chili Mac

Bowl of Instant Pot Chili Mac with plates behind it and a partial view of the Instant Pot behind it.

Instant Pot Chili Mac

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Sep 15, 2021
UPDATED: Dec 30, 2021
4 Reviews / 5 Average
Featured Comment
This was a hit with my family! It reminded me of the kind of meals my mom made when I was growing up.
Shannon
5 More Comments
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Single Photo Pin for Instant Pot Chili Mac with an overhead photo of a big bowl of chili Mac with a blue-gray background and a white crumpled napkin, with a red label at the bottom with the recipe title in white text.
Single photo pin for Instant Pot Chili Mac with a red label with white text at the top and an overhead photo of a partial view of 3 bowls with Instant Pot Chili Mac with a piece of buttered toast and a sprig of cilantro in the middle.
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This easy Instant Pot Chili Mac is a savory, hearty, cheesy one-pot meal! Made with tender ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, and kidney beans, this is an easy comfort food family dinner that the entire household will love.

Looking for a mouthwatering recipe for those weeknight dinners at home whenever you’re craving comforting, filling, and a recipe full of flavor?

A large serving bowl of Instant Pot Chili Mac with cheesy macaroni, ground beef, and kidney beans in front of a partial view of an Instant Pot and a stack of bowls with spoons in the background.

This family-friendly meal is the perfect solution to a quick weeknight dinner. Chili mac is cheesy, perfectly seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and cumin, and ready within moments thanks to the pressure cooker.

This recipe mashes together one of our favorite Beef Recipes with the epitome of Pasta Recipes to create one of my family’s favorite Instant Pot Recipes!

There is just something so special about a bowl of comfort food. Am I right? In my household, we frequently enjoy comfort dishes such as creamy chicken fajita pasta, green chile chicken pasta, and so many more dinner recipes. The list goes!

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • How To Make Instant Pot Chili Mac
  • Equipment
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Easy Instructions With Step By Step Photos
  • Recipe Variations
  • Make It Vegetarian
  • Pro Recipe Tips
  • What To Serve With Chili Mac
  • What Is The Difference Between Goulash and Chili Mac?
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews
Overhead view of a large serving bowl with easy, cheesy Instant Pot Chili Mac.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy: You will swoon over how simple and stress-free this recipe is which makes it ideal for those nights when you’re not wanting a lot of steps. 
  • Versatile: Make this either in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, but keep in mind that if you cook it on the stovetop, then it may take additional time.
  • Full of Protein: The hamburger meat and beans give this chili mac an abundance of protein that is filling and hearty making it great for curbing appetites. 
  • Ready in the Instant Pot: That’s right–this recipe is made in just one pot. Who doesn’t like using minimal dishes?
  • Budget-Friendly: A great recipe to stretch your grocery dollars, yet provide your family a hearty, filling meal without breaking the bank!
Overhead close up view of Instant Pot Chili Mac showing cheese-covered macaroni, ground beef, and red kidney beans.

Why This Recipe Works

Your tastebuds and household will love this recipe because it is cheesy, a little bit spicy, and oh, so savory with creamy and robust flavors.

  • This recipe can be frozen! We include instructions on how to freeze this recipe. All you do is transfer the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months. 
  • Feeling like using the jarred minced garlic? Not an issue! Whenever you’re wanting a little more ease with this recipe, opt for the pre-minced stuff. 
  • For this recipe, you can use either diced or Rotel tomatoes for additional flavors. 
  • Instead of using a block of Velveeta, you can substitute it with more shredded cheese. 
  • Use any kind of onion for this recipe and omit the beans if you do not want them.

How To Make Instant Pot Chili Mac

Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Ingredient Notes

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

Overhead view of labeled ingredients in separate bowls used to make Instant Pot Chili Mac recipe.
  • Oil. I like to use olive oil because of its pungent flavor, but any type of neutral oil will work such as avocado, coconut, canola, or grapeseed oil. 
  • Onion. Feel free to use any onion, but I prefer using either yellow or white. 
  • Garlic. Freshly minced or you could even use the frozen blacks of garlic paste.
  • Meat. Any kind of ratio of ground beef will work for this recipe. Want to switch things up? Use ground turkey instead. 
  • Beans. Canned kidney beans are easy, but if you only have dried beans–those will also work. Just be sure to soak the beans prior to cooking them! 
  • Broth. The beef broth is used to give this Instant Pot mac rich and memorable flavors, but in a pinch, you could use chicken broth. 
  • Seasoning. Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper are used to give this recipe its mouthwatering qualities. These are the perfect blend of spices that are smoky and bold.
  • Pasta. Macaroni is a classic staple for chili mac. Use gluten-free or whole-wheat macaroni for alternative options.
  • Cheese. The duo of cheeses for this mac is Velveeta and cheddar cheese. You can’t go wrong with these cheeses! 
  • Parsley. We like to use freshly minced parsley because of the fresh flavors it provides, but you can also use dried parsley.

Easy Instructions With Step By Step Photos

  • Start by sauteing the onions and garlic. First, set the Instant Pot on sauté, and when it is hot, pour the oil into the Instant Pot and then add in the onions. It will take about 4 minutes for them to become translucent. Then add the garlic and stir for about a minute.
Overhead view of the inside of an Instant Pot while sautéing onions in oil.
  • Next, Add the beef to the pot and cook until it is no longer pink. 
Overhead view of cooking ground beef with onions and spices in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
  • Once the meat is cooked, add in the remainder of the broth, beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
Overhead view of ingredients in the Instant Pot including tomatoes red kidney beans, browned ground beef and onions in broth with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the macaroni and tomatoes. Now place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure it is sealed. Turn the pressure cooker on High Pressure and set the timer. 
  • Once the timer is up, do a quick release. If you need to, refer to the owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to do this.
Overhead view of macaroni added to the other ingredients in the Instant Pot for Instant Pot Chili Mac.
  • After the quick release, add the cheeses on top and stir until melted and combined. 
Overhead picture of adding cheese to the Instant Pot Chili Mac after the other ingredients have finished pressure cooking.
  • Allow the chili mac to sit for five minutes prior to serving. You want the noodles to soak up all of that cheesy goodness!
Overhead view of finished Instant Pot Chili Mac showing it extra cheesy immediately after pressure cooking. It will sit and the cheese sauce will thicken up.
  • Serve with toast or focaccia bread, and sprinkle with minced parsley and dish it out.
Large bowl of cooked Instant Pot Chili Mac with a wooden spoon and a piece of toast, a stack of bowls, and an Instant Pot in the background.

Recipe Variations

  • Noodles. Try switching up the pasta. Use spaghetti noodles for this chili mac. You will love the versatility! 
  • Meat. Not a big fan of ground beef? Instead of using beef, you can use shredded chicken. 
  • Beans. Kidney beans work for this recipe, but you can also experiment with black beans, white beans, or even garbanzo beans. 
  • Cheese. Cheddar is delicious in this pasta recipe, but you can use any blend of cheese you have in your refrigerator.

Make It Vegetarian

You can easily turn this recipe into a plant-based recipe!

  • Substitute the ground beef with meatless soy crumbles. You can find these in the frozen sections at grocery stores. 
  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. 
  • Keep things vegan by using dairy-free cheeses.
Close up of spoonful of Instant Pot Chili Mac held being lifted out of the bowl.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • If you prefer, instead of Velveeta, or pre-shredded cheeses, try grating your own cheese. 
  • Adjust the flavors as needed. You may need to add more seasoning if it has cooled down. 
  • Make this chili mac and cheese spicy by adding cayenne pepper.

What To Serve With Chili Mac

  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread
  • Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Homemade Tortilla Chips

What Is The Difference Between Goulash and Chili Mac?

Although Hungarian Goulash and chili mac look and taste very similar, they do have some key differences.

Goulash is a recipe based in Europe and typically contains large amounts of paprika and sometimes even potatoes. Chili pasta typically is made with cheeses, chili powder, and beans.

Both goulash and chili mac are highly appetizing and suitable for dinners that need to be quickly placed on the table.

A small spoonful of Instant Pot Chili Mac held above a white bowl of chili mac with a white napkin and 2 white bowls with more chili mac.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

  • You can certainly make this recipe one to two days ahead if needed. This pressure cooker mac is perfect for meal prep!

How Do I Store Leftover Chili Mac?

  • Allow the soup to cool completely prior to transferring to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and chill for up to five days.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Chili Mac?

  • Reheat the leftovers in the microwave for one to two minutes, in the Instant Pot on the sauté function, or even on the stovetop in a skillet or saucepan.
Overhead view of 4 bowls of Instant Pot Chili Mac (partial views of each bowl with sliced toast, cilantro, and white napkin.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Cornbread
  • Biscuits
  • Foccacia
  • Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad
  • Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing

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Recipe

Bowl of Instant Pot Chili Mac with plates behind it and a partial view of the Instant Pot behind it.
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5 from 4 votes

Instant Pot Chili Mac Recipe

Instant Pot Chili Mac is a super easy, cheesy, one-pot comfort food meal that the whole family will love! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Keyword Chili Mac, Instant Pot Chili Mac
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Pressurization Time: 20 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 509kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

Add BEFORE Pressure Cooking

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 pound hamburger meat
  • 1 15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes or rotel
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 10 ounces elbow macaroni

Add AFTER Pressure Cooking

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cubed velveeta cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons parsley minced
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Pour the olive oil into the instant pot, and set on saute. Add the onions and cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for about a minute.
  • Add the hamburger and cook until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
  • Add in about 1/2 cup beef broth, and using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any little bits of food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing the pan.
  • Add in the remainder of the broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt pepper, kidney beans, elbow macaroni, and diced tomatoes. Do not stir.
  • Place the lid on the pot and make sure it is sealed. Turn on high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes. It will take a bit of time to build up the pressure and this will help the noodles cook till soft.
  • Do a quick release (see your instant pot manual.)
  • Add the velveeta and shredded cheese and stir till melted and combined.
  • Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with minced parsley. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • I recommend using a low sodium beef broth. If using regular beef broth, then I recommend, eliminating the salt.
  • If you prefer, instead of Velveeta, or pre-shredded cheeses, try grating your own cheese. 
  • Adjust the flavors as needed. You may need to add more seasoning if it has cooled down. 
  • Make this chili mac and cheese spicy by adding cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 731IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 4mg

Filed Under: American, Beef, Comfort Food, Dinner, Fall Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

Comments

  1. Gina says

    September 15, 2021 at 6:44 am

    Amazing comfort food recipe! So hearty and filling, will definitely be on the re-make list!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 9:54 am

      Hi Gina,

      I agree completely! It is in our regular rotation.

      Michele

      Reply
  2. Liz says

    September 15, 2021 at 8:23 am

    Chili mac is one of our favorites! I’d never tried it in the Instant Pot though. So yummy! Perfect for a weeknight meal.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 9:54 am

      Hi Liz,

      The Instant Pot makes it so easy. You have to try it!

      Michele

      Reply
  3. Shannon says

    September 15, 2021 at 8:31 am

    This was a hit with my family! It reminded me of the kind of meals my mom made when I was growing up.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 9:55 am

      Hi Shannon,

      I’m so glad you and your family liked it. Yes, this is a type of dish that I grew up with too. It is so good.

      Michele

      Reply

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About Me

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