Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich, cheesy chili sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that satisfies both pasta and chili cravings in one bowl.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream or cream cheese. Stir constantly until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Try shells, rotini, or small penne instead of elbow macaroni for a different texture.
• Add diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes for extra veggies.
• Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend in place of cheddar for varied flavors.
• If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it without losing creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover creamy chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. This ensures it browns evenly and cooks safely.

Can I Make Creamy Chili Mac Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish as directed, cool it, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting and hearty skillet dish featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with savory ground beef simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and sour cream for a luscious, creamy texture, this recipe offers a rich flavor and smooth consistency perfect for a quick dinner. Customizable with various proteins, veggies, and cheese options, it brings a crowd-pleasing taste of chili in an easy pasta meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Liquids

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese

Fats and Garnish

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
5. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream or cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
6. Taste and Serve: Give the chili mac a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. Serve it hot, optionally topped with fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright finish.

Notes

• Elbow macaroni can be substituted with shells, rotini, or small penne based on preference.
• Ground beef may be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Beans alone can be used as a meat-free alternative.
• Smoked paprika can be swapped with regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder to maintain smoky flavor.
• Sour cream can be substituted with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream for creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese alternatives include Colby, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends.
• Adding diced bell peppers, corn, chopped tomatoes, or jalapeños can enhance the vegetable content and spice level.
• Frozen ground beef must be fully thawed overnight before cooking to ensure even browning and safety.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stove or microwave while stirring occasionally.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Chili Mac, chili mac and cheese, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta dish, chili powder recipe, easy weeknight dinner, skillet chili mac, one-pot pasta