Introduction

This Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a cheesy chili sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a delicious twist on classic chili with the creamy richness of melted cheese.

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 + 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, and sour cream (optional toppings)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Season with chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the elbow macaroni and drained pinto beans. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 12–15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Serve the chili mac hot, topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef or mix in extra hot sauce at the end.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference.
To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.

Storage

Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chili mac a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it slowly to retain its creamy texture, stirring occasionally.

What can I use if I don’t have elbow macaroni?

Any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini will work well as a substitute for elbow macaroni in this recipe.

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 132 reviews

This hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Mac combines ground beef with chili-spiced tomato sauce, pinto beans, and tender elbow macaroni, all simmered together and topped with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Perfect for a comforting, filling meal that brings the bold flavors of chili into a creamy pasta dish.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
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 saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season 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. Add the elbow macaroni and drained pinto beans, then stir again to mix everything together.
Simmer the mixture: Cover the pan and let the chili mac simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and top with optional fresh cilantro, hot sauce, and sour cream as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Use sharp cheddar and good-quality pepper jack for the best melting and flavor.
Stir the macaroni occasionally while simmering to avoid sticking or burning.

Keywords: chili mac, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta, bean chili pasta