The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chili Mac Casserole Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the hearty, nostalgic appeal of a Chili Mac Casserole. Combining the bold flavors of chili with the gooey deliciousness of macaroni and cheese, this one-dish wonder is the perfect solution for a cozy dinner at home. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this easy and satisfying recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect Chili Mac Casserole, along with tips and tricks to make it your own.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Chili:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Macaroni:

2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
1/4 cup milk

Optional Toppings:

Sliced green onions
Crushed tortilla chips
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chili Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and veggies in spices.
Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Chili and Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chili base, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the milk. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the cheese begins to melt.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Top with your favorite additions such as green onions, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Tips for Success:

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to enhance the heat level.
Go Vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or simply add extra beans and veggies.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole but skip the baking step. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Chili Mac Casserole

Not only is this dish deliciously satisfying, but it’s also a versatile meal idea that works for game nights, potlucks, or even busy weeknights. Packed with protein, carbs, and flavor, Chili Mac Casserole is a complete meal that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

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