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Creamy Chili Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

Creamy Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich, flavorful chili sauce with ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a smooth sour cream finish. This quick and easy one-pan meal brings together the warmth of chili spices with a creamy texture, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

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
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese

Spices & Seasonings

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

Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream or cream cheese gradually, stirring constantly until cheese melts and sauce is creamy and smooth. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen.
  6. Taste and Serve: Taste for seasoning, adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Frozen ground beef can be used but must be fully thawed overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
  • Add veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Use alternative cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for different taste profiles.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stove or microwave.
  • If sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a splash of broth or water to return creaminess.

Keywords: Creamy chili mac, chili macaroni, comfort food, cheesy chili pasta, ground beef pasta recipe, one-pan chili mac

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