Description

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting pasta dish combining tender elbow macaroni with richly spiced ground beef and a velvety cheese sauce. This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, featuring a smooth blend of tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, and sour cream for a luscious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

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

Sauces and Liquids

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth or water
1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Spices

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

Cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to keep warm.
Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet as needed.
Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water), stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked elbow macaroni back into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously as the cheese melts evenly. Finally, gently mix in the sour cream or cream cheese until the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it without losing creaminess.
Taste and Serve: Taste the chili mac and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute elbow macaroni with shells, rotini, or small penne based on preference.
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can replace beef for lighter or vegetarian options.
Adjust chili powder quantity to control the heat level of the dish.
Sour cream can be swapped with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream for different creaminess profiles.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Frozen ground beef must be fully thawed overnight to ensure even cooking and safety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

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

Keywords: Creamy Chili Mac, chili mac recipe, comfort food, creamy pasta, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, cheesy chili pasta