Chili mac is the hearty, satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds: the robust flavors of chili and the comforting familiarity of macaroni and cheese. And when you’re looking for a chili mac recipe that’s guaranteed to please, look no further than a Pioneer Woman inspired version. This recipe takes Ree Drummond’s beloved chili as a starting point and transforms it into a cheesy, pasta-filled delight that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe is easy to follow and incredibly versatile. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot, making it adaptable to your schedule and preferences. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite!
What Makes This Chili Mac Pioneer Woman Style?
Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is known for her approachable, family-friendly recipes that are packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients. This chili mac recipe embodies that spirit. It starts with a base of hearty beef chili, seasoned with a perfect blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano, just like her classic chili recipe. The addition of pasta and cheese elevates it to a complete meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious.
This recipe emphasizes ease and customization. Just like Ree encourages in her cooking, you can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and use whatever pasta and cheese you have on hand. It’s all about creating a comforting and flavorful meal that your family will love, without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chili Mac
To make this delicious Pioneer Woman chili mac recipe, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs of 80% lean ground beef provides the hearty base for the chili.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of diced garlic add a savory depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: 8 oz of tomato sauce creates a rich, tomatoey base for the chili.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons of chili powder are essential for that classic chili flavor.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness.
- Ground Oregano: 1 teaspoon of ground oregano provides a slightly peppery and aromatic note.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt enhances all the flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste) adds a touch of heat.
- Masa Harina: 1/4 cup of masa harina, white or yellow, is the secret ingredient to thicken the chili perfectly.
- Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: 15 oz cans of each, drained and rinsed, add texture and heartiness.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni, the classic pasta for chili mac.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, for that cheesy goodness.
- Water: For cooking the pasta and adjusting chili consistency.
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Green Onions, diced
- Tortilla Chips
Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
Here are the instructions for making Pioneer Woman chili mac using three different cooking methods: stovetop, slow cooker (Crock Pot), and Instant Pot.
Stovetop Chili Mac Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Ground beef being browned in a dutch oven for Pioneer Woman chili mac. -
Add Aromatics and Sauce: Add the diced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
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Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
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Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, whisk together the masa harina with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the chili and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes to thicken.
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Cook the Pasta: While the chili is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Add Beans and Pasta: Stir the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans into the chili. Then, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot and mix everything together.
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Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili mac in the pot. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Pinto beans being added to a pot of chili, part of the Pioneer Woman chili mac recipe. -
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips, if desired.
Crock Pot Chili Mac Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Cook and crumble the ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop. Drain excess grease. Alternatively, use a stove-top safe Crock-Pot to brown the beef directly in the slow cooker pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to the Crock-Pot (if you browned it separately). Add the garlic, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer in Slow Cooker: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- Thicken and Add Beans: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the masa harina mixture (masa harina whisked with 1/2 cup water) and the drained beans.
- Cook Pasta Separately: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the chili mac in the Crock-Pot. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let it sit until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite chili mac toppings.
Instant Pot Chili Mac Instructions
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Sauté Beef: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
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Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.
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Add Masa and Beans: Stir in the masa harina mixture (masa harina whisked with 1/2 cup water), kidney beans, and pinto beans.
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Add Pasta and Water: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water (ensure there is enough liquid to cook the pasta and prevent the burn notice).
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Cook on the Chili/Beans setting or Manual/Pressure Cook for 5 minutes.
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Quick Release and Cheese: Quick release the pressure. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Note: If you encounter the “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot, it usually indicates that something is stuck to the bottom. Try scraping the bottom of the pot before pressure cooking. Adding enough liquid is also crucial to prevent burning, especially when cooking pasta.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Chili Mac
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili mac, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack all work wonderfully.
- Add Vegetables: For a heartier chili mac, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn with the ground beef.
- Pasta Options: While elbow macaroni is classic, you can also use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all delicious additions.
Serving Suggestions for Chili Mac
Pioneer Woman chili mac is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty sides:
- Cornbread: Just like with traditional chili, cornbread is a perfect pairing for chili mac. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory and cheesy dish beautifully.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili mac.
- Garlic Bread: For extra comfort food indulgence, serve chili mac with warm garlic bread for dipping.
Close up of chili mac with melted cheese and a wooden spoon scooping it, ready to serve.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chili Mac
Storing: Let leftover chili mac cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Chili mac freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat chili mac on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in individual servings.
Get Ready to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Chili Mac!
This Pioneer Woman chili mac recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose the stovetop, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot method, you’re in for a comforting and delicious meal that your family will ask for again and again. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe Card
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef, 80% lean
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup masa harina, white or yellow
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Water
Garnish Options:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Diced Green Onions
- Tortilla Chips
Instructions:
Stovetop:
- Brown ground beef in a large pot, drain grease. Add garlic, cook 1 min.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk masa harina with 1/2 cup water, add to chili, cook 5 min to thicken.
- Cook elbow macaroni separately, drain.
- Stir beans and cooked pasta into chili.
- Top with cheddar cheese, cover, melt cheese. Serve hot.
Crock Pot:
- Brown ground beef, drain grease. Place in Crock Pot.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, seasonings (chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne).
- Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
- 30 min before serving, stir in masa harina mixture and beans.
- Cook pasta separately, drain. Stir into chili mac. Top with cheese, melt.
Instant Pot:
- Sauté ground beef in Instant Pot, drain grease. Add garlic.
- Stir in tomato sauce, seasonings, masa harina mixture, beans, uncooked pasta, 1 cup water.
- Pressure cook on Chili/Beans or Manual for 5 minutes, quick release.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
Notes:
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Substitute cheeses as desired.
- Add vegetables like onions, peppers for variation.
- Garnish with sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips.
Enjoy your Pioneer Woman Chili Mac!
Did you try this recipe? Leave a review and let us know how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
