Pioneer Woman Chili Mac combines the hearty richness of chili with the comforting creaminess of macaroni and cheese for a delicious, flavor-packed meal. This one-pot wonder is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of savory spices, tender beef, and melty cheese.
Imagine sitting down to a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. The robust flavors and satisfying textures will leave your taste buds dancing with joy, making this Chili Mac a surefire hit in any household.
What is Pioneer Woman Chili Mac?
Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a flavorful and filling dish that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, macaroni pasta, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort Food: Combines the best of chili and mac and cheese for a cozy meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding a family or a group of friends.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
- One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup and more convenience.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
What Ingredients Can I Replace Or Substitute While Making It?
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Beans: Feel free to use different types of beans such as pinto beans or cannellini beans if you don’t have kidney or black beans on hand.
- Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even tomato paste mixed with a bit of water.
- Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or any other melting cheese you prefer.
- Elbow Macaroni: Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli can be used in place of elbow macaroni.
- Beef Broth: Substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water if needed.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste or use a pre-made chili seasoning mix if you prefer.
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened about 3 minutes.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Season and Simmer: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
- Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and cools the spice.
- Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy element by serving with tortilla chips.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole pairs well with the chili flavors.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the spices to your preference.
- Cook Pasta Properly: Ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente for the best texture.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the chili simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Customize: Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Vegetarian: Use a meat substitute or increase the amount of beans and vegetables.
- Cheesy: Mix in different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- Mexican Style: Add a can of green chilies and serve with a side of salsa.
- Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier texture.
Storing Pioneer Woman Chili Mac: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate Portions: Store in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your stored Chili Mac for best quality.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Chili Mac: Best Practices
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQs
Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chili Mac ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, and stir until heated through.
What type of cheese is best for Chili Mac?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used in Chili Mac for its rich flavor and good melting properties. You can also use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for added flavor and creaminess.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in Chili Mac?
To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, cook it until just al dente before adding it to the chili mixture. The pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors without becoming overly soft. Additionally, avoid overcooking the Chili Mac once the pasta is added.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Chili Mac?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Chili Mac. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work well with the same spices and ingredients. Simply substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground turkey and follow the recipe as directed.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, hearty flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making this delicious recipe and experimenting with different variations to suit your taste!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken
- Pioneer Woman John Wayne Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a flavorful and filling dish that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, macaroni pasta, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Season and Simmer: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
