Chili Mac Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines two classic comfort foods—chili and macaroni and cheese—look no further than Chili Mac Casserole. This one-pan meal is everything you love about chili and macaroni, baked together into a deliciously cheesy, savory casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a filling dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Chili Mac Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any occasion where you want a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender pasta, a spicy, savory beef chili filling, and a rich, melted cheese topping, this casserole has all the flavors you crave, wrapped up in one easy-to-make dish. Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your preferences—whether you like your chili on the milder side or packed with heat.

This dish is also an excellent way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that will feed a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. So let’s dive into why you’ll love this Chili Mac Casserole and how to make it flawlessly every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make
Chili Mac Casserole is simple and requires minimal prep work. Once you’ve browned the ground beef and boiled the pasta, the rest of the recipe comes together quickly. The best part? It’s all baked in one dish, which means less clean-up!

Hearty and Filling
This casserole is packed with hearty ingredients—tender pasta, ground beef, beans, and melty cheese—making it a satisfying meal that will keep everyone full and content.

Cheesy Goodness
One of the highlights of this dish is the melted cheese that forms a golden, bubbly crust on top. The cheese not only adds great flavor but also enhances the overall texture of the casserole, making each bite irresistible.

Customizable
Like many casseroles, this Chili Mac recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste, add extra veggies or beans, or switch up the type of cheese used. You can also make it vegetarian by using a meat substitute or additional vegetables.

Make-Ahead Friendly
This casserole is ideal for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. It also freezes well, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time for busy days.

Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or a larger group, Chili Mac Casserole is a great choice. It’s easy to scale up the recipe and can be made in a large baking dish to accommodate more servings. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or game days!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes prep, 40 minutes cook time)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For this chili mac casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the traditional choice for this dish, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a savory base flavor to the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic depth.
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and fiber to the dish.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides a rich, tomato-based base for the chili.
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix: For a quick and easy flavor boost. You can also use homemade chili seasoning if preferred.
• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The pasta base that holds all the delicious chili and cheese together. You can substitute with any pasta you like.
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth: Helps to create a more liquid base for the chili and keeps the casserole moist while baking.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must for a cheesy, gooey topping.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty texture when baked.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds balance to the flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies: For a mild heat and extra flavor.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adds extra spice if you like things hot.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred into the casserole for extra creaminess (optional).
• Chopped green onions: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be sprinkled on top for added flavor and color.
• Sliced jalapeños: For extra heat and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese gets bubbly and golden on top.

STEP 2: COOK THE PASTA

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

STEP 3: BROWN THE GROUND BEEF

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

STEP 4: ADD THE CHILI BASE

To the skillet with the ground beef, add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili seasoning mix, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you’re adding optional ingredients like green chilies or hot sauce, add them at this stage.

STEP 5: COMBINE PASTA AND CHILI MIXTURE

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet with the chili mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the chili sauce. If you’re using sour cream, you can stir it in at this point for a creamier consistency.

STEP 6: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Transfer the chili mac mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top, covering the casserole in an even layer.

STEP 7: BAKE

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

STEP 8: REST AND SERVE

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Serve with Toppings
Chili Mac Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a variety of toppings. Try serving it with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, or hot sauce. Crushed tortilla chips also make a great crunchy topping.

Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, some steamed vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls is perfect for soaking up any extra chili sauce.

Beverage Pairing
A cold, refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer goes perfectly with the rich and cheesy flavors of Chili Mac. For a more indulgent meal, you could even pair it with a creamy milkshake or a soda.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Spicy: If you love spice, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some extra hot sauce to the chili mix. You can also use spicy chili seasoning or increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick.
2. Use Leftover Chili: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chili. Simply combine the leftover chili with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
3. Vegetarian Version: Make a vegetarian version of this dish by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables. You could add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to keep it hearty.
4. Make It Dairy-Free: To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option and leave out the sour cream. You can also add a splash of non-dairy milk to the chili mixture to maintain the creamy texture.
5. Leftovers: Chili Mac Casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven.

Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of chili and mac and cheese, baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it ideal for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something to enjoy on a cozy night in, this Chili Mac Casserole will become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy!

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