Gather around the table for a comforting and flavor-packed Hearty Chili Mac Casserole with Cheddar Topping! This soul-satisfying dish is the perfect fusion of classic chili and creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a cozy and indulgent one-pan meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With a blend of spices, tender ground beef, and a melty cheddar topping, this casserole is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chili Mac Casserole with Cheddar Topping
Chili mac is a match made in comfort food heaven, and this recipe takes the beloved combo to new heights. The smoky, zesty chili base is simmered to perfection, blending seamlessly with the velvety, creamy macaroni. Topped with a golden, crispy cheddar crust, every bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that will leave you and your loved ones feeling content and cozy. Plus, it’s an easy, one-dish wonder that comes together quickly for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Ingredients
In this Hearty Chili Mac Casserole, we bring together a mouthwatering medley of ingredients to create a truly craveable and comforting meal. The star players include ground beef, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, elbow macaroni, and a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1 (15 oz) can – Crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can – Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Plant-based crumbles or extra beans (for a vegetarian version)
- Cheddar Cheese: Low-fat cheddar cheese (to lighten things up)
How to Make Hearty Chili Mac Casserole with Cheddar Topping
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then 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 onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then 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 onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and kidney beans, then let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the chili mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the cheesy chili mac to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Hearty Chili Mac Casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips.
- Add Some Heat: Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a pop of color and a bit of heat.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: This Hearty Chili Mac Casserole also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it as a quick and easy meal on busy nights.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright and flavorful contrast.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! Assemble the chili mac, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Hearty Chili Mac Casserole is a comfort food classic that’s both indulgent and nourishing. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein, complex carbohydrates, and melty, creamy goodness. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or satisfy your family’s cravings for a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this casserole without any dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this Chili Mac Casserole dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese topping and use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative or a creamy cashew sauce instead.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping! Assemble the chili mac, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the chili mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to amp up the spice level.
What should I serve with this Chili Mac Casserole?
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bite of the delicious sauce.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole With Garlic Bread Topping
- Chili Cheese Macaroni Casserole
- Harvest Chili With Spiced Cornbread Topping
Hearty Chili Mac Casserole with Cheddar Topping
- 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 Hearty Chili Mac Casserole is a comforting dish filled with macaroni, ground beef, beans, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili, macaroni, casserole, comfort food