Print

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe

4.4 from 102 reviews

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni pasta, flavorful chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies with bold flavors and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 package chili seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Chili Seasoning: Sprinkle the chili seasoning mix evenly over the cooked beef and stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Macaroni and Tomatoes: Pour in the elbow macaroni and the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Stir to mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
  4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Add about 2 cups of water to the skillet to ensure the macaroni has enough liquid to cook. Cover the skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Top with Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can use any type of pasta, but elbow macaroni works best for this recipe.
  • Adjust the amount of chili seasoning based on your spice preference.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk before adding the cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or stovetop.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman, Chili Mac, One-pot meal, Ground beef recipe, Comfort food, Easy dinner