Gather around the table for a comforting and flavor-packed Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with a crispy, garlic-infused bread topping. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, blending the heartiness of chili, the creaminess of mac and cheese, and the irresistible crunch of a golden-brown crust. Let’s dive in and discover the delicious story behind this cozy, satisfying masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with Garlic Bread Topping
This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion, bringing together the beloved flavors of chili and mac and cheese in one epic, soul-satisfying dish. The combination of spicy, smoky chili, melty cheddar cheese, and tender pasta is already a winning formula, but the addition of a crispy, garlicky bread topping takes it to new heights of deliciousness. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, with the creamy, cheesy base giving way to the crunchy, flavor-packed crust. This casserole is sure to become a new family favorite, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion when you crave something truly comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with Garlic Bread Topping is made with a carefully curated blend of ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. At the heart of the recipe are ground beef, kidney beans, and a robust chili seasoning blend, which provide the savory, spicy foundation. Elbow macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan add the comforting, mac and cheese element. Finally, a topping of buttery, garlic-infused breadcrumbs completes the dish with a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- 1 lb (454g) – Ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can – Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp – Chili seasoning blend
- 1 (16 oz) box – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Plant-based ground meat or extra beans (for a vegetarian version)
- Elbow Macaroni: Gluten-free pasta (to make it gluten-free)
How to Make Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with Garlic Bread Topping
Making this delectable Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with Garlic Bread Topping is a straightforward process that’s sure to yield impressive results. Let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion, garlic, and chili seasoning. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the flavors have melded.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Simmer the chili mixture for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen. In a separate saucepan, prepare the creamy cheese sauce by melting butter, then whisking in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Combine the cooked macaroni, chili mixture, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish, stirring to ensure everything is evenly distributed. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the garlic breadcrumb topping over the casserole.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture for a spicier twist.
- Creamy Richness: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
- Southwestern Flair: Top the casserole with diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the casserole back in the oven until warmed through and the topping is crispy once again.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. The combination of ground beef, beans, and cheese delivers a boost of protein, while the elbow macaroni provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Additionally, the tomatoes, onions, and garlic contribute a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
For the creamiest, most melt-y cheese sauce, a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan is the way to go. The cheddar provides that classic cheesy flavor, while the Parmesan adds a touch of nutty richness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish as instructed, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans. You can also add in more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to make it heartier.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can easily substitute other short, tubular pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole with Garlic Bread Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously cheesy casserole packed with chili flavor, topped with crunchy garlic bread. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (drained)
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup garlic bread crumbs (for topping)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. 4. Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture and stir until well combined.
6. 6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. 7. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
8. 8. Top with garlic bread crumbs evenly.
9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
10. 10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition.
– You can use store-bought garlic bread crumbs or make your own by blending toasted bread with garlic and butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, chili, mac and cheese, comfort food