By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 12, 2023 | Last Updated on November 26, 2023
Let’s learn about the popular delicacy chili mac recipe pioneer woman. Chili mac is an American dish consisting of a mouthwatering mix of delightful ingredients. So it is the perfect combination of creamy and cheesy goodness-all in one dish!
This dish creates an irresistible flavor combination that you won’t soon forget. This classic comfort food will satisfy your hunger craving with its delicious flavors and zesty spices.
Additionally, this easy-to-make dish can be prepared in advance and is always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s also an excellent dish to make for those busy weeknight dinners or for a potluck dinner party.
So, let’s learn how to make the dish at home. Here, I will provide a complete guide about everything you need to know about this dish.
What Is a chili mac recipe Pioneer Woman?
Chili Mac Recipe Pioneer Woman is a classic American comfort food dish. Created by the famous food blogger Ree Drummond. It combines macaroni, ground beef, onion, garlic, beans, and tomatoes with flavorful spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, with shredded cheese over the top making it more attractive.
The result is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for every occasion. The taste is truly unbeatable and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Where Did I First Try chili mac recipe Pioneer Woman?
My friend made this for me after she watched it on her favorite show the Pioneer Woman on the food network. It was the first time I had tried the chili mac recipe pioneer woman, and little did I know that this simple dish would become one of my favorite meals! I immediately fell in love with it. The combination of all those different flavors really created something special that I hadn’t tasted before.
I will never forget how flavorful and delicious the dish was, and it has since become a regular feature on my dinner table. When I first tried the chili mac recipe from pioneer woman, it was already prepared and cooked perfectly.
The flavors were deeply savory and spicy, while the texture of the macaroni was creamy and luxurious. The vegetables were cooked just right, adding a nice crunch and firmness to the dish. The ground beef was juicy and flavorful, while the tomatoes lent an amazing tanginess to it all.
Whenever you try something new, it is always exciting to see how the flavors work together. This dish was no exception. I could not get enough of how each ingredient worked in harmony with one another. The chili powder, cumin, and paprika added a truly unique flavor to the dish that was so pleasingly delectable.
If you haven’t tried the chili mac recipe pioneer woman yet, then I highly suggest you try it. It is an incredibly easy dish to make and can be served as a side dish or even the main course. No matter how you serve it, this classic American comfort food is sure to please your taste buds!
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Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: Since it’s a big part of the dish, you’ll need one pound of elbow macaroni at the very beginning.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion, garlic, and ground beef, you’ll need two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef will give the dish a nice texture and plenty of flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: Chopped onions and minced garlic add a robust flavor to the dish.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: One 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes add a nice acidic touch that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Beans: You’ll need one 16-ounce can of beans, drained and rinsed.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
- Cheese: One cup of shredded cheese gives the dish a rich and creamy finish.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Add macaroni and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente. Then drain the excess water.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Place the drained macaroni into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the macaroni and sprinkle with cheese.
Step 6
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Baking Tips
- If you like spicier dishes, feel free to add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to add a bit of heat to the dish.
- If you like cheesier dishes, try adding one more cup of shredded cheese to really amp up the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with mushrooms or other meatless substitutes.
- You can also add bell peppers for an extra crunchy texture and vibrant color.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use other types of pasta such as fusilli or penne.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- You can substitute the diced tomatoes with diced bell peppers for added crunch and texture.
- Kidney beans can be replaced with black beans or chickpeas.
- If you don’t have canned tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes instead.
- You can replace the shredded cheese with your favorite cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
- For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese and substitute it with vegan cheese shreds.
Chili Mac Recipe Pioneer Woman
Equipment
- baking dish
- Simmer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cloves of minced garlic you can use 1 clove or 2 cloves to infuse the dish with a pungent and robust flavor
- 1/2 pound of savory and juicy ground beef for a hearty and meaty component
- 1/2 large onion chopped to provide a sweet and aromatic base for the dish
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall taste and balance the flavors
- 1/2 pound of perfectly cooked and al dente elbow macaroni for a comforting and satisfying pasta base
- 1/2 can of kidney beans drained and rinsed for a protein-packed and nutritious addition
- 1/2 can of diced tomatoes undrained to introduce juicy and tangy bursts of flavor
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder to create a spicy and smoky flavor profile
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create a gooey and melty topping that adds a rich and indulgent element
- 1 tablespoon of fragrant and flavorful olive oil to add a touch of richness and depth
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for a warm and earthy note that complements the other spices
- 1/2 can of tomato sauce for a smooth and luscious base that binds the ingredients together
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a hint of fiery heat that tantalizes the taste buds
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to add a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente. Then drain the excess water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the drained macaroni into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the macaroni and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you like spicier dishes, feel free to add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to add a bit of heat to the dish.
- If you like cheesier dishes, try adding one more cup of shredded cheese to really amp up the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with mushrooms or other meatless substitutes.
- You can also add bell peppers for an extra crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this dish provides about:
• Calories: 582 kcal
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg
• Sodium: 611 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 67 g
• Dietary Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
How to Store Leftover chili mac recipe, pioneer woman?
Leftover chili mac recipe pioneer woman can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. If freezing, place into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women to eat. Pregnant women should ensure that all ingredients are cooked thoroughly before consuming.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chili mac recipe pioneer woman ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
This dish can be served as a main course accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great appetizer when served with tortilla chips. For a full meal, serve with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! This dish can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for additional flavor and texture. You can also add corn or black beans for added protein and fiber. Just make sure to add the vegetables at the same time as the beef mixture for best results.
Wrapping Up
Now you know all about the chili mac recipe pioneer woman. If you’ve never made it before, I highly recommend trying it out – you won’t be disappointed! With its hearty and flavorful ingredients, this classic American comfort food is sure to please your taste buds.
It also makes a great weeknight meal that can easily be customized with additional vegetables. So what are you waiting for?
Please make sure to share this recipe with friends and family. Thank you for your time.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
