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Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

This hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Mac recipe combines ground beef, fragrant spices, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of melty cheeses for a comforting one-pot meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, it comes together quickly with pantry staples and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Base

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Pasta and Beans

  • 12 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

Cheeses

  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Hot sauce
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the elbow macaroni and the drained pinto beans to the pot. Stir everything together.
  3. Simmer to cook pasta: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens, approximately 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy, blending into the chili mac sauce.
  5. Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
  • Can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version, if desired.
  • For gluten-free, swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili mac, beef chili macaroni, Pioneer Woman recipe, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/pioneer-woman-chili-mac-recipe/