Description

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef simmered with spices, tomato sauce, beans, and elbow macaroni, finished with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a creamy, flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings together the richness of chili flavors with the satisfying texture of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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, to taste
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

Optional Toppings

Fresh cilantro
Hot sauce
Sour cream

Instructions

Brown the beef with garlic and onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Season with chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with rich flavors.
Add broth, tomato sauce, macaroni, and beans: Pour in the beef broth and the can of tomato sauce. Stir in the elbow macaroni and the drained pinto beans. Mix everything together to combine well.
Simmer the chili mac: Cover the pot and simmer on medium-low heat. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors, while the sauce thickens slightly, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy throughout the chili mac, creating a rich and cheesy texture.
Serve with optional toppings: Dish the chili mac into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce if desired for an added kick and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or use spicy chili powder.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers or corn for extra vegetables.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead, increasing beans or adding lentils.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: chili mac, one pot meals, ground beef recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta, Pioneer Woman recipes