Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
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.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Protein
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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