If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that brings together the hearty warmth of chili and the cheesy comfort of macaroni, Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac is your answer. It’s bold, flavour-packed, and satisfies all the cravings for a cozy, filling dinner—without the need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. It’s rich, comforting, and full of layers: ground beef, spices, tomatoes, beans, pasta, and cheese—all combined in a single pot for easy cooking and clean-up.

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What is Pioneer Woman Chili Mac?

Chili Mac is a fusion of two beloved dishes: classic chili and creamy macaroni. The Pioneer Woman’s version takes this comfort food staple to the next level with a bold blend of spices, tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato base, hearty ground beef, and a generous layer of melted cheese stirred in just before serving.

It’s Tex-Mex meets down-home comfort, and it works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or next-day leftovers.

Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Reasons to Try Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

One-pot wonder – Minimal dishes, maximum flavour.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Perfect for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.
Easy to customize – Adjust the heat, meat, or add-ins based on what you have.
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Ready in under 40 minutes – A satisfying dinner made quickly.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this hearty, cheesy dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth or water
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Brown the meat – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add aromatics and spices – Stir in the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and beans – Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans. Stir to combine, letting the flavours begin to meld.
Add broth and pasta – Stir in the beef broth and uncooked macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer until pasta is cooked – Reduce heat to a simmer, cover loosely, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the cheese – Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve – Scoop into bowls and top with green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Pair with cornbread – Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic side.
Add a green salad – A fresh salad balances out the richness.
Top with sour cream or avocado – Adds creaminess and cools the spice.
Serve with tortilla chips – Crunchy chips make a fun side or topping.
Include hot sauce on the side – Great for spice lovers to turn up the heat.
Finish with lime wedges – A splash of citrus lifts the flavours.

Key Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Use freshly shredded cheese – Melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it slightly firm for the best texture.
Adjust liquid as needed – Add a splash of water if the pasta absorbs too much before cooking is done.
Use quality spices – Fresh chili powder and cumin enhance the depth of flavour.
Stir regularly while simmering – Prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Let it rest briefly before serving – The sauce thickens slightly for a better bite.
Make it vegetarian – Omit the meat and use veggie broth with extra beans or lentils.

Creative Variations of Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Add bell peppers – Sautéed red or green peppers add sweetness and crunch.
Use spicy sausage – Swap the ground beef for Italian or andouille sausage.
Make it Tex-Mex – Add corn, black beans, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
Top with jalapeños – Fresh or pickled peppers for a spicy bite.
Swap pasta types – Shells or rotini work just as well as macaroni.
Add cream cheese – Stir in a few spoonfuls for extra richness.
Include chopped spinach or kale – A great way to sneak in some greens.

Storage Guidelines for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Cool before storing – Let the dish reach room temperature before sealing.
Freeze for later – Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in fridge – Then reheat gently on the stove.
Keep toppings separate – Add fresh garnishes only after reheating.
Label with date – Helpful when prepping in advance.

Reheating Tips for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac

Use the stovetop – Reheat over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or water.
Microwave individual portions – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Add extra cheese when reheating – Helps bring back creaminess.
Cover when reheating – Retains moisture and prevents drying out.
Avoid overcooking the pasta – Heat only until warmed through.
Stir before serving – Ensures even temperature and texture.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 740mg
Sugar: 6g
Calcium: 210mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients.

FAQs

Do you cook the pasta separately for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac?

No, the pasta is cooked directly in the pot with the chili mixture. After browning the meat and adding the liquids, uncooked elbow macaroni is stirred in and simmered until tender, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavours.

How do you keep chili mac from becoming too dry?

To prevent chili mac from drying out, make sure there’s enough liquid before adding the pasta. Stir occasionally and cover loosely while it simmers. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

What kind of cheese melts best in chili mac?

Cheddar cheese works best for chili mac because it melts smoothly and adds a creamy, sharp flavour. Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting compared to pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents.

Can you make Pioneer Woman Chili Mac ahead of time?

Yes, chili mac can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For best results, reheat gently with a splash of broth to bring back its creamy texture before serving.

Wrapping Up

Pioneer Woman Chili Mac is the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes—comforting, filling, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot meal is guaranteed to deliver.

With a little spice, a lot of cheese, and that signature hearty texture, it’s a dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Try it once, and it may just become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation.