One pot meal: This chili mac and cheese is pure comfort.

By Julie Brinkley

With temperatures dropping in Texas, it’s finally expected to feel like fall this week, and this one pot chili mac and cheese is a cozy dinner the whole family will love.

Oh, and it makes the perfect meal for watching football.

Click here to watch a video on how to make it.

WHAT’S IN IT

1 lb. lean ground beef (or ground chicken)

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped 

1 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp smoked paprika 

1 tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp cayenne pepper 

1 (28-oz) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes

¼ cup tomato paste

1 can (4 ounces) diced chilies

Salt & pepper

2-3 cups of beef broth

1 lb. pasta

¼ cup hot sauce

2 ounces cream cheese, soften

2 cups shredded Colby

Green onions optional

HOW TO MAKE IT

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large pot brown beef and onion; season with salt and pepper.

Add poblanos and cook for 5 minutes.  Mix in tomatoes, tomato paste and diced chilies. 

Pour in the broth and add 2 cups water.

Add pasta and bring to a boil over medium high heat or until pasta is al dente. 

Stir in hot sauce, cream cheese and half the colby cheese. 

Remove from heat and top with remaining cheese and bake in oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.