Print

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/creamy-chili-mac-recipe/