Gather ’round, my friends, for a cheesy, comforting adventure that’s about to make your taste buds dance! This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate fusion of two classic comfort foods, blending the bold flavors of chili with the creamy, dreamy goodness of mac and cheese. Get ready to dive into a dish that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
This cozy casserole is the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods, chili and mac and cheese. The rich, velvety cheese sauce combines with the zesty, smoky chili to create a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, the addition of tender pasta and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To create this epic Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, onions, spices, canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. The combination of these flavorful components results in a dish that’s both comforting and craveable.
- 1 lb – Ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup – Diced bell peppers
- 1 onion – Diced
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1 (15 oz) can – Diced tomatoes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: You can swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based protein, such as ground turkey or crumbled tofu (a great vegetarian option).
- Bell Peppers: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, try substituting them with mushrooms or zucchini for a different texture and flavor.
How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
To create this delicious casserole, we’ll start by preparing the chili base, then assemble the dish and bake it to cheesy perfection.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. While the pasta is boiling, dice your onions and bell peppers, and gather all your spices and canned tomatoes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the ground meat until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and cook until they’re tender. Stir in the chili powder, canned tomatoes, and a splash of water or broth to create a flavorful chili base.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the chili mixture, and a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. This final step ensures that the flavors meld together and the cheese becomes deliciously melty.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Protein: For a heartier version, add in some black beans or kidney beans to the chili mixture.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos before baking for an extra layer of crunch.
- Spicy Kick: For a bold, zesty flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the chili mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or some crusty bread.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop the casserole in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to nourish both your body and soul. Each serving provides a hearty dose of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. While it’s not the lightest dish on the menu, it’s a delicious indulgence that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short, sturdy pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or cavatappi. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a fan of bold, zesty flavors, you can easily amp up the heat in this Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the chili mixture.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply swap the ground meat for plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein, and use a dairy-free cheese sauce or a cashew-based cheese alternative.
Try These Next
- Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole
- Hearty Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Topping
- Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole With Garlic Bread Topping
Chili Mac and Cheese 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
This Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It’s a delicious combination of macaroni, ground beef, chili beans, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) chili beans
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups water
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
6. Combine the beef mixture with the cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add jalapeños or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chili, Mac and Cheese, Casserole, Comfort Food