High-Protein, Low-Carb Chili Mac & Cheese
Makes: 6 Servings
Per Serving: 44g Protein | 315 Cal
Consider this recipe my gift to you in 2025 because it’s THAT GOOD. If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-packed meal that satisfies your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals (duh, who isn’t?), then this One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese recipe is exactly what you need! It’s a hearty one-pot dish loaded with bold flavors, extra protein, and creamy cheesy goodness — perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
We all know that traditional mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but we don’t typically consider it as a healthy dish that we can keep coming back to if we have health goals. That’s why this recipe is a GAME-CHANGER. If you’ve been following my work for a while, you KNOW the only pasta I ever even consider using in my cooking is Kaizen —which, btw, you can get 20% off with my code: PROTEINSNACKQUEEN! That’s because while it’s of *course* high in protein, it’s also high in fiber, and low in carbohydrates making it a healthy and extremely filling meal that you never have to feel guilty about eating! For this recipe, we are using Kaizen Mac & Cheese, so you’re not only getting that rich, cheesy flavor you love, but you’re also fueling your body with high-quality protein to keep you full and satisfied for longer.
And in case you’re wondering, here’s how Kaizen Mac & Cheese stacks up against other popular prepared options:
Goodles Mac & Cheese: 270 calories | 15g protein | 7g fiber | 48g carbs
Kraft Mac & Cheese: 350 calories | 10g protein | 1g fiber | 50g carbs
Kaizen Mac & Cheese: 270 calories | 25g protein | 15g fiber | 25g carbs
Seriously brilliant, I love this brand, lol.
This recipe has the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Aside from the noodles, it’s packed with lean ground beef, nutrient-dense veggies, and a savory spice blend that brings a smoky, chili-inspired kick to your classic (boring) mac and cheese. Plus, I added a not-so-secret ingredient — blended cottage cheese — for an extra creamy texture without piling on the calories.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this Chili Mac & Cheese is a must-try.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
1 box Kaizen Mac & Cheese (including the cheese packet)
1 lb ground beef (lean)
1-1.5 cups shredded cheese (divided in half)
2 adobo peppers, chopped
1 cup bone broth
1 (15 oz) can of tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can of green chilis
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 whole onion, chopped
3 cups chopped bell peppers or 1 bag of frozen bell peppers
1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tbsp cooking oil
Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and green onion
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned.
Step 2: Add the Peppers, Garlic, and Spices
Once the beef is cooked and the onions are soft, add the fire-roasted peppers (or fresh bell peppers), minced garlic, green chilis, adobo peppers (and some of their sauce), chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for 5-10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Cheese, and Bone Broth
Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice), 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the bone broth. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the Kaizen Mac & Cheese pasta to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked to your desired texture. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook in the next step.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Sauce
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the Mac & Cheese powder packet, the blended cottage cheese (if using), and half of the remaining shredded cheese. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook for another 2-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Broil (Optional)
For a crispy, golden cheese topping, transfer the pot to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onion. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
High-Protein: With 44 grams of protein per serving, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to hit their daily protein goals.
One Pot: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Customizable: Add more veggies, swap in turkey or plant-based meat, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Pro Tips
Use Blended Cottage Cheese: If you’re looking for extra creaminess without the added fat, blended cottage cheese is a game-changer.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be mindful of the cooking time for the pasta to ensure it stays al dente.
Broil for a Crispy Top: Broiling at the end adds a beautiful finish and elevates the dish to restaurant-quality status.
I hope you guys enjoy this hearty, protein-packed dish that seriously delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience! If you make it, let me know how it was in the comments! :)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Serves 6
Calories: 315
Protein: 44g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 12g
High-Protein, Low-Carb, One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box Kaizen Mac & Cheese (including the cheese packet)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1-1.5 cups shredded cheese (divided in half)
- 2 adobo peppers, chopped
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can of green chilis
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 whole onion, chopped
- 3 cups chopped bell peppers or 1 bag of frozen bell peppers
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and green onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Beef. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Step 2: Add the Peppers, Garlic, and Spices. Once the beef is cooked and the onions are soft, add the fire-roasted peppers (or fresh bell peppers), minced garlic, green chilis, adobo peppers (and some of their sauce), chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for 5-10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Cheese, and Bone Broth. Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice), 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the bone broth. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta. Add the Kaizen Mac & Cheese pasta to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked to your desired texture. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook in the next step.
- Step 5: Add the Cheese Sauce. Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the Mac & Cheese powder packet, the blended cottage cheese (if using), and half of the remaining shredded cheese. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook for another 2-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Step 6: Broil (Optional). For a crispy, golden cheese topping, transfer the pot to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve. Remove the pot from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onion. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
315Fat
12 gCarbs
18 gProtein
44 g