Chili Mac Recipe Pioneer Woman: A Comforting and Delicious Meal

For lovers of hearty comfort food, Pioneer Woman’s chili mac recipe is a must-try. This dish combines the satisfying flavors of chili and mac and cheese to create a delicious and filling meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Chili Mac recipe Pioneer Woman, including a list of necessary equipment, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations to suit different preferences.

Guide to Making the Best Chili Mac Recipe by Pioneer Woman

Equipment Needed

• A large pot for cooking the pasta and chili
• A colander for draining the pasta
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A measuring cup

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Use about 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt for the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or just tender but still firm. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside.
2. In the same large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. As you sizzle the ground beef in the pot over medium-high heat, let it dance until it reveals its true colors and loses its rosy hue, typically taking around 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir to combine, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), tomato sauce (8 oz), kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), chili powder (1 tbsp), and cumin (1 tsp) to the pot. Using your trusty stirring spoon, blend the ingredients together until they become one harmonious concoction, then coax them into a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. While the chili is simmering, make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan of medium size, let the butter melt and come to life over medium heat.
7. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour (1/4 cup) to form a paste. Cook the flour paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Gradually whisk in the whole milk (2 1/2 cups), stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
9. Add the salt (1 tsp) and dry mustard (1 tsp) to the saucepan, and continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11. Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the chili, and stir to combine.
12. Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the macaroni and chili mixture, and stir everything together until it is evenly coated.
13. Serve the chili mac hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe serves 6 people, with each serving containing approximately 590 calories, 32 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, and 30 grams of protein. To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat elbow macaroni instead of regular, and reduce the amount of cheese used.

Delicious Variations to Try with Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac Recipe

For vegetarians, consider substituting ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Alternatively, add more vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to give the chili a heartier and more filling texture while boosting its nutritional value.

Heat things up with a spicy twist by adding jalapeno peppers, spicier chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. For a milder but equally flavorful variation, try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder instead.

For cheese lovers, there are many ways to add more cheese to the recipe. Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, or add extra cheese on top of the chili mac. Alternatively, add cream cheese or goat cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Pioneer Woman’s Chili Mac recipe is an excellent base that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. These unique variations are perfect for any occasion and will impress your guests with their deliciousness. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own.

The History and Inspiration Behind Pioneer Woman’s Famous Chili Mac Recipe

This mouthwatering dish is a creative amalgamation of two beloved comfort foods: chili and mac and cheese. The origins of this beloved recipe can be traced back to the American Midwest, where both chili and mac and cheese have long been fixtures of the region’s cuisine.

The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, a food blogger and cookbook author, innovated the idea for this recipe. Driven by her passion for both chili and mac and cheese, she was inspired to marry the two classic dishes to create a revolutionary recipe for her family’s dinner. The outcome was her iconic Chili Mac Recipe, which immediately captivated her followers and viewers.

The dish is simple to prepare, employing everyday ingredients that are easily accessible in most households. It’s also flexible, making it an ideal entree, side dish, or even a party snack. Additionally, the fusion of the two dishes has culminated in a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that are both soothing and fulfilling.

This recipe has also sparked several adaptations and modifications over time. Enthusiasts have experimented with adding a diverse range of spices or cheese varieties to the recipe, while others have included beef or beans to make it more robust. Still, others have created vegetarian or vegan versions by substituting meat with plant-based protein or dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s chili mac recipe is a timeless favorite that offers endless possibilities for personalization. Whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or extra cheesy, this dish can be tailored to your liking. And if you’re ever in the mood for some tasty Middle Eastern cuisine, consider trying El Genio del Shawarma for some equally delicious flavors.