Gather round, my fellow food lovers, for a cozy and indulgent adventure in the kitchen! Today, we’re whipping up a Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole that’s guaranteed to bring warmth, comfort, and big, bold flavors to your table. This epic dish is a melty, creamy, and zesty fusion of classic chili and beloved mac and cheese – a comforting masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy your every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole
Get ready to be swept off your feet by this lush and hearty casserole! The velvety smooth cheese sauce and the smoky, spicy chili come together in perfect harmony, creating a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and exciting. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful contrast of textures – the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping, the tender macaroni, and the melty, gooey cheese. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients
Gather up these tasty ingredients to bring this Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole to life: elbow macaroni, ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and butter. Get ready to create a flavor-packed masterpiece!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based meat (for a healthier swap)
- Cheddar Cheese: Blend of cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey jack (for an extra-cheesy twist)
How to Make Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating this cozy and craveable casserole!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. While the pasta is boiling, grab a large skillet and sauté the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the veggies are softened.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and let the spices bloom for a minute. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and let the chili simmer until it’s thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the chili mixture, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a few pats of butter, and bake until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for an extra kick of heat.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in sautéed bell peppers or corn for more nutritious goodness.
- Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat in place of the ground beef.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap in a blend of cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey jack.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: The casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Make-Ahead: This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the instructions.
Nutrition Information
This Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s packed with protein, carbs, and gooey, melty cheese. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 25 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein. It’s a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s sure to leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and energized.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the instructions.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can easily freeze this Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole. Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe baking dish or container. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use any short, tubular pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to fit a vegetarian or vegan diet. Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or extra vegetables, and use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese alternatives.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, feel free to amp up the heat in this casserole. Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños or green chiles to the chili mixture. You can also use a blend of spicy cheeses, such as pepper jack or Monterey jack.
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Print
Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole combining macaroni and cheese with spicy chili. Perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) chili beans
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
4. 3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
5. 4. Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the chili mixture, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese.
7. 6. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
8. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. 8. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
10.
Notes
You can add extra toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for added flavor.
This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: macaroni, chili, casserole, comfort food