This Chili Mac Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the best of beef, pasta, and cheese to your dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole is both filling and easy to prepare. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This Chili Mac Casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty combination of beef, pasta, and melted cheese.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Comfort Food Delight: This dish embodies comfort food at its best, warming you up on chilly nights.
Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day; it tastes even better!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having everything on hand makes preparation smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Skillet
Pot for Boiling Pasta
13×9 Baking Dish
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing onions evenly, ensuring great flavor development.
Pot for Boiling Pasta: A larger pot allows ample space for pasta to cook without sticking together.
Baking Dish: A 13×9 dish ensures even baking and is perfect for serving straight from the oven.

Ingredients

This chili mac casserole is loaded with beef, pasta, and cheese for an easy family dinner that’s filling too!

For the Meat Mixture

1 lb Ground Beef
1 medium Onion (diced)
14.5 oz. Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
1/2 cup Water
2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning (or one packet)

For the Pasta

16 oz Elbow Macaroni

For Topping

2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, divided)

How to Make Chili Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.
1. Add elbow macaroni according to package directions.
2. Drain when cooked al dente.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook ground beef with diced onion until beef is no longer pink.
2. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Return the skillet to heat:
1. Add canned tomatoes, water, and taco seasoning.
2. Stir well to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the meat mixture to the drained pasta:
1. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

In a greased 13×9 pan:
1. Spread half of the chili mac mixture evenly in the bottom.
2. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over this layer.
3. Top with remaining meat mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover with foil:
1. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.
3. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Enjoy your delicious Chili Mac Casserole!

How to Serve Chili Mac Casserole

Chili mac casserole is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a potluck, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Top with Fresh Toppings

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Chopped Cilantro – A sprinkle of cilantro brings freshness and enhances the flavor profile.

Pair with Bread

Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a comforting combination.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of chili mac perfectly.

Add a Salad

Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and croutons in a Caesar salad work well with this dish.

How to Perfect Chili Mac Casserole

To make your chili mac casserole even better, consider these helpful tips.

Use Lean Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
Add Beans – Incorporate kidney or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Customize the Spice Level – Adjust taco seasoning according to your family’s heat preference.
Experiment with Cheeses – Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
Bake it Right – Ensure you cover the dish while baking to keep it moist during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Mac Casserole

Chili mac casserole pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds nutrients and color to your plate.
Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the casserole.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet balance to the savory meal.
Pickles – Tangy pickles enhance flavor with their acidity and crunch.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal vegetables offer depth and additional nutrients.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make for an enjoyable, hearty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chili Mac Casserole even more delicious. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong pasta: Make sure to use elbow macaroni as it holds the sauce well. Other types may not give the same texture.
Overcooking the beef: Cook the ground beef just until browned. Overcooking can lead to a dry casserole.
Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip the taco seasoning! It adds essential flavor. Adjust to your taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Skipping the cheese layer: Cheese is crucial for that gooey, comforting texture. Always remember to layer it in before baking!
Baking without foil initially: Covering your casserole with foil helps retain moisture. Remove it halfway through to brown the cheese nicely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Chili mac casserole stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Chili Mac Casserole

Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chili Mac Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common questions about Chili Mac Casserole.

Can I make Chili Mac Casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I customize my Chili Mac Casserole?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. You can also use different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole keeps well and is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. It will work well with the same seasonings.

What sides pair well with Chili Mac Casserole?

Consider serving a simple side salad or garlic bread. They complement the hearty flavors of this dish perfectly!

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac Casserole is not only filling but also versatile and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table! Don’t hesitate to customize ingredients according to your preferences; that’s what makes this recipe fun!

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Chili Mac Casserole

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese into a single, satisfying dish. This hearty casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its delicious blend of ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Plus, leftovers are just as delightful, making this recipe a convenient choice for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Beef
1 medium Onion (diced)
14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
16 oz Elbow Macaroni
2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, divided)
2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
1/2 cup Water

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Instructions

Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water until al dente; drain.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion until no longer pink; drain fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water; simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix cooked macaroni with the meat mixture until well combined.
Layer half of the mixture in a greased 13×9 baking dish; sprinkle with one cup of cheese.
Top with remaining meat mixture and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American