If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe. It perfectly combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, zesty chili flavors, and gooey melted cheddar into one irresistible dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a casserole to a potluck, this recipe is a sure-fire winner that brings warmth and bold taste to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with common, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a hearty and satisfying casserole. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing richness, spice, and cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto every bit of chili and cheese.
- 2 lb lean ground beef: Adds savory depth and protein, making the dish filling and flavorful.
- 1 (1.75-oz) package chili seasoning mix: Brings the signature spice and complexity to the chili base.
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained): Introduces a fresh tomato brightness that keeps the dish saucy.
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained): Adds a slight kick and a subtle smoky flavor.
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor for a rich sauce.
- 1 (16-oz) can chili beans (undrained): Enhances texture and heartiness while complementing the chili spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top to create that irresistible gooey, cheesy crust.
How to Make Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on. This simple prep helps ensure your casserole bakes evenly and lifts cleanly once it’s ready.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Follow the package directions to cook the elbow macaroni until just tender. Properly cooked pasta gives you the ideal chewy texture to complement the rich chili mixture. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to keep it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until there is no pink remaining. Breaking it into small crumbles allows it to distribute evenly throughout the dish. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy, which helps the flavors shine.
Step 4: Combine the Chili Ingredients
To the browned beef, stir in the chili seasoning mix, undrained diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato paste, and chili beans. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, tangy, and mildly spicy chili base that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Add the Cooked Pasta
Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the chili mixture. This step is key to making sure every bite offers a creamy, cheesy pasta experience coated in that delicious chili sauce. Mixing thoroughly distributes ingredients evenly throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the two cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
How to Serve Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness to this rich casserole. If you want a cool contrast, dollops of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado on the side offer creamy relief from the spicy chili flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans brings balance and brightness. Cornbread is also a classic option that complements the savory, cheesy, and spicy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in small individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation at dinner parties. You could also turn leftovers into a loaded chili mac skillet by topping portions with jalapeños, olives, or even crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe has cooled, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for reheating lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after cooling the cooked dish. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying, until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before warming can make it taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds the sauce well, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells can work wonderfully too. Just ensure the pasta cooks to al dente to prevent mushiness.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based protein such as cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a meatless ground substitute. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep the chili beans to maintain that hearty texture.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The chili seasoning mix and green chiles add mild to moderate spice, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot chili seasoning or adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to your taste preferences.
What type of cheddar cheese works best for this casserole?
A sharp or medium cheddar shredded freshly from a block gives the best melting results and rich flavor, but pre-shredded cheeses also work in a pinch. Mixing in a little Monterey Jack or Colby can add a creamy balance.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its hearty chili flavors combined with creamy pasta and melted cheddar cheese make it a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful dish to share with friends. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni combined with flavorful ground beef and a zesty chili tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and feeds up to 10 people.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1.75-oz) package chili seasoning mix
Tomato and Beans
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (16-oz) can chili beans (undrained)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni following the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is evenly browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: In the skillet or a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef with chili seasoning mix, undrained diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chiles, tomato paste, and chili beans. Stir in the cooked pasta until everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chili mac mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lower fat content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure chili seasoning is gluten-free.
