Flavorful Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe: Homestyle Magic Bowl

Chili mac weaves culinary magic, transforming ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming feast that dances on your palate.

Robust beef mingles with tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers comfort.

Spices burst through each mouthwatering bite, promising a carnival of taste sensations.

This one-pot wonder delivers a delectable experience that turns weeknight meals into celebration-worthy moments.

Families crave the hearty blend of zesty chili and creamy macaroni that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Simple yet spectacular, this recipe elevates comfort food to an art form.

Pack your dinner table with excitement and watch as every single person falls in love with this irresistible dish.

Get ready to savor a meal that will become your ultimate comfort food champion!

Leftover Storage Tips for Chili Mac

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover chili mac to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze with Ease: Pack cooled chili mac in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated chili mac in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of beef stock to restore moisture and prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat gently in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
• Portion Control Tip: Divide chili mac into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. These pre-portioned meals save time and help manage meal planning throughout busy weeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease and richer flavor, best when freshly ground.
• Onion: Select firm, heavy onions with no soft spots for maximum sweetness and crisp texture.

• Beef Stock: Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels and enhance natural beef flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Pick fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper, smoky undertones.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Ensure spices are fresh and fragrant for vibrant, robust taste.
• Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Use kosher salt for better texture and freshly ground pepper for intense aroma.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Elbow Macaroni: Select high-quality pasta that holds sauce well and maintains firm texture.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and full-fat sour cream for creamy richness.

Equipment Checklist for Chili Mac

• Large Pot: Heavy-bottomed, deep cooking vessel perfect for one-pot meals.
• Wooden Spoon: Sturdy utensil for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping onions.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing onions.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for adding stock, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion spices and seasonings.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot chili mac into bowls.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Serving Bowls: Warm dishes to present the finished chili mac.

Step-by-Step Chili Mac Instructions

• Kickstart The Flavor Explosion

Brown ground beef and diced onions in a sizzling pot, breaking meat into small pieces until it turns golden and onions become translucent. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Build A Spectacular Sauce

Create a robust liquid foundation by combining beef stock, juicy tomatoes, and rich tomato sauce. Sprinkle in zesty seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to wake up the taste buds. Let the mixture bubble gently, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

• Transform Into Comforting One-Pot Wonder

Toss uncooked macaroni directly into the bubbling sauce, stirring occasionally. Let the pasta absorb all those incredible flavors while cooking perfectly until tender and deliciously coated. The magic happens as the sauce thickens and the pasta becomes wonderfully creamy.

• Serve Up Pure Deliciousness

Ladle the steaming chili mac into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of cool sour cream. Dive in immediately and savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tips and Comfort Food Twists

• Boost Your Chili Mac Game: Expert Tips and Twists
• Customize Heat Levels: Dial up or tone down spiciness by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños or hot sauce. Brave souls can sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Grate fresh cheese for maximum melty goodness and deeper flavor complexity.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter meal options. Each protein brings unique texture and nutritional profile to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chili mac in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with splash of beef stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Plating and Serving Suggestions

• Comfort Bowl Magic: Serve this chili mac in deep, hearty bowls that showcase the rich, steaming mixture and catch every delicious drop.
• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle an extra generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese so it melts beautifully over the hot surface, creating irresistible gooey strings.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Add chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for a bright, crisp contrast to the warm, meaty pasta beneath.
• Side Kick Perfection: Pair with warm cornbread, buttered dinner rolls, or a simple crisp green salad to balance the hearty main dish.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick Pioneer Woman chili mac blends hearty comfort with zesty southwestern flavors in one skillet. Ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef (90-93% fat-free)
• ½ cup (120 ml) onion, finely chopped
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can small diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups (946 ml) beef stock
• 8 oz (227 g) uncooked macaroni (roughly 2 cups)
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) chili powder
• 2 tsps (10 ml) cumin powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground black pepper
• shredded cheddar cheese for serving
• sour cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Meat: Heat a large pot over medium-high flame. Brown ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat into fine crumbles until beef develops a deep caramel hue and onions become translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Build Flavor Base: Pour beef stock, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and allow mixture to gently simmer, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Cook Pasta: Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking. Let macaroni absorb the spicy essence and become perfectly tender, roughly 12-15 minutes.
4. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the steaming chili mac into serving vessels. Generously top each portion with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a melting cascade. Finish with a dollop of creamy sour cream, transforming the dish into a comforting, indulgent meal.

Notes

• Master Meat Browning: Crumble ground beef meticulously to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent large meat chunks, ensuring even caramelization and maximum taste absorption.
• Pasta Perfection Technique: Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering sauce to allow complete flavor infusion and prevent extra dishes, creating a one-pot wonder with perfectly tender pasta.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let hot chili mac sit for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to allow natural melting, creating a luscious, creamy texture without excessive stirring.
• Spice Balance Trick: Adjust seasonings gradually and taste throughout cooking, understanding that chili powder and cumin intensify as the dish simmers, preventing over-seasoning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg