Description

Creamy Chili Mac is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich, flavorful chili-spiced beef sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and smooth sour cream for a perfect creamy finish. This quick 30-minute meal is ideal for cozy family dinners and easy weeknight cooking, with options to adapt for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

Meat & Vegetables

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

Sauce & Seasonings

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

Cooking Fats

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Garnish (Optional)

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 according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Taste and Serve: 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.

Notes

You can substitute elbow macaroni with shells, rotini, or small penne.
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can replace beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Try using cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream in place of sour cream for creaminess.
Add diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes to increase vegetable content.
To adjust heat, modify chili powder amount or add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheat gently with added broth or water if needed.
If using frozen ground beef, thaw completely overnight for even browning and safe cooking.

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

Keywords: Creamy Chili Mac, chili macaroni, comfort food, quick dinner, beef pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight meal