Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, cheesy chili-spiced sauce, this dish is sure to please the whole family.

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 needed. Serve it hot, optionally topped with fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

• Swap elbow macaroni for shells, rotini, or small penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
• Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Replace sour cream with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a splash of heavy cream for a different creamy texture.
• Add diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes to increase the veggie content.
• Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to vary the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, but 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 cool it before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a bit of heavy cream. Add it gently when mixing with the cheese to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting, hearty one-pan dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, flavorful chili sauce made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and warming spices. Melted cheddar cheese and sour cream create a luscious, creamy texture that coats every noodle perfectly. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

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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

Sauce and Seasoning

• 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

Other

• 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 to prevent overcooking and water dilution in the sauce.
2. Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the base of the sauce is flavorful.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
4. Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast and deepen the spice flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth or water, stirring thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend and intensify the flavors.
5. Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low before adding the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream or cream cheese. Stir gently and continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring no curdling occurs by keeping the temperature low.
6. Taste and Serve: Sample the chili mac to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, for a bright and fresh finish to this rich and hearty meal.

Notes

• You can substitute elbow macaroni with shells, rotini, or small penne to vary texture.
• Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well as leaner or vegetarian protein alternatives.
• If you don’t have sour cream, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream can be used to achieve creaminess.
• Adding diced bell peppers, corn, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or hot sauce can enhance vegetable content and spice level.
• Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat best with a splash of beef broth or water.
• Use thawed ground beef if using frozen, to ensure even browning and proper cooking.

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

Keywords: Chili Mac, Creamy Chili Mac, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Comfort Food, Cheesy Chili Pasta, Weeknight Dinner