Introduction

This Pioneer Woman Chili Mac combines the hearty flavors of chili with creamy macaroni and cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal. It’s packed with ground beef, beans, spices, and a melty cheese blend that’s perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cups beef broth
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
12 oz. elbow macaroni
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained
1½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
Fresh cilantro, hot sauce, sour cream (optional toppings)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Season with chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Add the elbow macaroni and drained pinto beans. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Serve the chili mac hot topped with fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or sour cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef.
Swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans to change the flavor profile.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Leftovers reheat well and often taste even better the next day.

Storage

Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

What type of cheese works best in chili mac?

Cheddar and pepper jack are great choices because they melt smoothly and add sharpness plus a hint of spice. You can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, beans, and a rich blend of cheeses. This comforting dish features bold chili spices and a creamy cheesy finish, perfect for a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Aromatics

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, diced

Spices & Broth

2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
3 cups beef broth
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Pasta & Beans

12 oz. elbow macaroni
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

Cheese & Toppings

1½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

Brown beef with garlic and onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste.
Add liquids and macaroni: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then add the elbow macaroni and drained pinto beans. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and the spices are evenly distributed.
Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Incorporate cheeses off heat: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy, blending well to create a rich texture.
Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, hot sauce, and sour cream as desired. Serve hot to enjoy the full comforting flavors of this robust dish.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
If you prefer spicier food, add extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño during cooking.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Keywords: chili mac, ground beef pasta, one pot meal, comfort food, Pioneer Woman recipe, easy dinner, cheesy pasta