Pioneer Woman Chili Mac and Cheese

Pioneer Woman chili mac and cheese takes 30 minutes and ground beef, pinto beans and two melty cheeses to make a saucy, hearty one-pot pasta dinner. It's an easy weeknight comfort food dinner for game day, tailgate, potluck or family night, and it's made in one skillet with no draining.

Cook the macaroni right in the beef and broth, stirring now and then, so the pasta soaks up all the chili flavor. Boil it separately and you lose that starchy sauce, which is what makes this dish creamy.

Folding the cheddar and pepper jack in off the heat keeps the sauce smooth instead of greasy or stringy. Since everything simmers in one skillet, the pasta releases starch into the chili base and thickens it without any flour or roux.

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac and Cheese

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Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

430

kcal

Large elbows simmer right in a spiced beef and tomato base until the sauce turns thick and clingy. Once the cheese melts in off the heat, every bite comes out gooey, meaty and just a little smoky.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
  

• 1 lb. ground beef
  

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
  

• 2 tbsp. chili powder
  

• 2 tsp. ground cumin
  

• Kosher salt and black pepper
  

• 3 c. beef broth
  

• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
  

• 12 oz. large elbow macaroni
  

• 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained
  

• 1 1/2 c. grated cheddar, plus more for serving (about 6 oz.)
  

• 1 c. grated pepper jack cheese (about 4 oz.)
  

• Cilantro, for serving
  

• Hot sauce, to taste
  

• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  

Directions

• Brown the beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 lb ground beef, 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced small yellow onion. Season with 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cook the meat: Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes. That browning builds most of the flavor, so don't rush it.
• Add the pasta: Stir in 3 cups beef broth, one 8-oz can tomato sauce, 12 oz large elbow macaroni and one 15-oz can drained pinto beans. Bring it all to a simmer.
• Simmer until thick: Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 14 minutes. It's ready when the sauce is thick and the macaroni is al dente.
• Melt in the cheese: Take the pan off the heat, then add 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar and 1 cup grated pepper jack. Fold until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce.
• Serve: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and top with cilantro, more grated cheddar and hot sauce to taste. Add a dollop of sour cream if you like, since it cools the spice nicely.

Tools for this recipe

• Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, OXO wooden spoon set, OXO 4-sided box grater, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 3 lb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works fine here, though it's leaner, so add a little extra olive oil when you brown it. Season it well, since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

Can I make chili mac and cheese ahead of time?

You can cook it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. The pasta keeps soaking up sauce as it sits, so stir in a splash of broth or water when you reheat it.

What can I use if I don't have a large skillet?

A Dutch oven or a wide, deep pot works well, as long as it has a lid. Just make sure everything fits in one layer or close to it so the macaroni cooks evenly.

Can I freeze chili mac and cheese?

It freezes okay, but the pasta gets softer after thawing. If you want to try it, freeze it without the sour cream and reheat gently with a little extra broth.

What's the most common mistake with this dish?

Adding the cheese while the pan is still on the heat is the big one, since it can turn grainy or oily. Pull the skillet off the burner first, then fold the cheese in until it melts.