Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together quickly and offers a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Step 2: 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. Step 3: 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. Step 4: 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. Step 5: 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. Step 6: 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.

Tips & Variations

• Use shells, rotini, or small penne as alternatives to elbow macaroni for different textures.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, use regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky flavor.
• Replace sour cream with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a splash of heavy cream to vary creaminess.
• Add diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes for extra vegetables and color.
• Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to increase heat.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for varied flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Creamy Chili Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm 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, you can. Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even browning and safe cooking.

Can I make Creamy Chili Mac ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool before storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy chili-spiced tomato sauce. This hearty recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal with its blend of warm spices, melty cheddar cheese, and smooth sour cream, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that stick to every noodle.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Meat & Aromatics

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

Liquids & Sauces

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy & Fats

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

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

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles as a leaner or vegetarian alternative to ground beef.
• Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes to increase vegetable content.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
• You can substitute sour cream with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mexican blend for varied flavor.
• Frozen ground beef can be used but should be fully thawed in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on stove or microwave with occasional stirring.

Keywords: creamy chili mac, easy chili pasta, cheesy chili mac, ground beef pasta, dinner recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy pasta, southwestern pasta