Gather ’round the table, my friends, for a dish that’s sure to delight your senses and warm your soul. Introducing our Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole – a fusion of comforting classics that’s about to become your new family favorite. Brimming with bold flavors and a luxurious creamy texture, this casserole is the ultimate in cozy, indulgent dining. Let’s dive in and discover the magic waiting to unfold in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). This Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect marriage of spicy, smoky chili and the velvety, melty goodness of mac and cheese. The combination is nothing short of epic, creating a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. Plus, with its golden, crispy topping and loaded with tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a trio of cheeses, this casserole is a true feast for the senses. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a new household staple.
Ingredients
Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with this Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole. You’ll need a few key ingredients, including elbow macaroni, ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, onion, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a creamy sauce made with milk, butter, and flour. Together, these components come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- 8 oz (225g) – Elbow macaroni
- 1 lb (450g) – Ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can – Diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp – Chili powder
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 small – Onion, diced
- 2 cups (240g) – Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup (120g) – Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 3 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) – Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the ground beef.
- Cheese: You can use any combination of cheeses that you prefer, such as Pepper Jack or Monterey Cheddar, to customize the flavor profile.
How to Make Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
Let’s dive into the delicious details of bringing this Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole to life. First, we’ll start by cooking the pasta and browning the ground beef. Then, we’ll create a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’ll bring everything together. Finally, we’ll assemble the casserole and bake it to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, creating a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheeses.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Protein: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with a layer of crispy, crumbled bacon just before baking.
- Healthier Version: Use whole-wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole is a delightful indulgence, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. Each serving provides a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, as with any comfort food dish, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole as instructed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short-cut pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even small shells. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu, in its place. You can also swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternatives.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
For a healthier spin, you can use whole-wheat pasta, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli, to boost the nutritional value.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese Casserole For Fall
- Chili Mac And Cheese Casserole
- Creamy Pumpkin Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Crust
Creamy 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 Creamy Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of chili, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cooked macaroni, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour half of the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Layer the remaining mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chili, Mac and Cheese, Casserole