Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
This hearty and comforting Pioneer Woman Chili Mac combines savory ground beef with bold spices, tender elbow macaroni, pinto beans, and a melty blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, creating a delicious one-pot dinner perfect for any night of the week. Topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce, it offers a fulfilling and flavorful meal with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 + 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 and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are softened. Season with chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- 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 well to ensure pasta is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly—about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Incorporate cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy, creating a rich, cheesy sauce coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired for added heat and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your preferred spice level.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and use vegetable broth and additional beans or veggies.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: chili mac, ground beef recipes, easy dinner, one pot meals, cheesy pasta, comfort food
Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/pioneer-woman-chili-mac-recipe/
