Easy Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Minutes

Chili mac stands as a comforting one-pot wonder that blends two beloved classics into a single, satisfying meal.

Hearty and robust, this dish promises warmth and flavor in every single bite.

Bold spices dance alongside tender pasta, creating a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds sing.

Families adore this recipe for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature, transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when robust beef meets tender noodles, creating a harmonious blend that feels like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this soul-warming combination that comes together faster than you can say “comfort food”.

Quick, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, this recipe will become your new go-to meal: dig in!

Why Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe is a Family Favorite

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort: This chili mac comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families who crave delicious, hearty food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Savor Layers of Bold Flavor: The recipe combines rich ground beef, warming spices like chili powder and cumin, and tangy tomatoes, creating a robust taste profile that satisfies deep comfort food cravings with every single bite.
• Master One-Pot Convenience: By cooking everything in a single pot, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup, reduces dish washing, and allows home cooks to enjoy a complete meal without complicated cooking techniques or multiple pans.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable adding depth and sweetness to the dish, fresh yellow onion recommended.

• Beef Stock: Provides rich liquid base and additional meaty flavor, low-sodium stock works best.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and slight acidity, canned tomatoes with no added salt preferred.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth base and enhances overall tomato flavor, standard canned sauce works well.

• Chili Powder: Signature spice blend giving warmth and classic chili taste, freshly ground recommended.
• Cumin: Earthy spice adding depth and traditional southwestern profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor without fresh garlic chopping.
• Salt: Enhances overall dish seasoning, kosher salt preferred.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out flavor profile.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs flavors and creates hearty texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp topping that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy garnish that complements spicy chili mac.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef And Onions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onion. Break up the beef using a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until beef browns and onions become soft.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid Base

• Beef stock
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato sauce

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Ground black pepper

Mix ingredients and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook Macaroni In Sauce

Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until pasta is tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

• Boost Texture Variety: Toss in crunchy bell peppers chopped super fine to elevate your chili mac's mouthfeel and depth.
• Control Salt Wisely: Pour low-sodium beef stock for a balanced flavor profile that keeps sodium in check.
• Lighten the Load: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey to create a healthier protein-packed dish.
• Prevent Pasta Mushiness: Cook macaroni separately until perfectly al dente, ensuring each noodle maintains its ideal bite.
• Protein Power Up: Mix in drained black or kidney beans for extra nutrition and a more substantial meal experience.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract maximum air from the container using a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste. Protect the chili mac by removing oxygen that causes flavor degradation and potential texture changes.
• Layer Separation Technique: Store liquid and pasta components separately to prevent soggy noodles and maintain ideal texture when reheating. Keeps pasta firm and prevents moisture from breaking down the dish's structural integrity during storage.
• Temperature Control Strategy: Place containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back section near the cooling unit. Maintains consistent temperature and prevents temperature fluctuations that can compromise food quality and safety.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage and add diced green chilies for extra heat. Sprinkle jalapeños on top for a bold flavor kick.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Chili Mac: Swap ground beef with black beans and add bell peppers for volume. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a plant-based version.
• Smoky Chipotle Chili Mac: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deep, smoky flavor profile. Add smoked paprika and garnish with fresh cilantro for an authentic southwestern touch.
• Lean Turkey Chili Mac: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option. Include diced zucchini or carrots to boost nutritional value and add extra vegetables.

Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

Hearty chili mac emerges as ultimate comfort cuisine, blending robust beef flavors with nostalgic pasta comfort.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible family feast.

Rich spices dance through each savory bite, creating memorable meal magic.

Cheese melts luxuriously across steaming pasta, promising warmth in every forkful.

Weekend meal planners and weeknight dinner champions will adore this one-pot wonder.

Curious souls can elevate their culinary game: share this delectable discovery, spark conversations with fellow food enthusiasts, and spread chili mac love across social platforms.

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chili mac brings comforting Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Rich beef and pasta combine in one skillet, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (90-93% fat-free)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) chili powder
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sugar
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can small diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked macaroni (roughly 2 cups)
• Shredded cheddar cheese for serving
• Sour cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Place a spacious pot over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and finely diced onions. Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring even breakdown. Cook for 6-7 minutes until beef develops a rich brown color and onions turn translucent.
2. Stream beef stock, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and tomato sauce into the pot. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients and initiate a gentle bubbling.
3. Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering mixture. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow the pasta to absorb flavors and become tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
4. Transfer the steaming chili mac into serving bowls. Generously crown each portion with shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces or 113 grams) and a generous dollop of tangy sour cream (2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters) for a creamy finish.

Notes

• Leftovers transform into an even more flavorful feast as spices deepen overnight.
• Budget-friendly creation uses pantry staples without breaking the bank.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder for kid-friendly or spice-lover versions.
• Freezer-friendly meal perfect for advanced preparation and busy family dinners.
• One-pot magic eliminates extensive cleanup while delivering maximum comfort and taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg