Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/pioneer-woman-chili-mac-recipe/
