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Chili Mac Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, kidney beans, and cheddar cheese with the satisfying texture of elbow macaroni, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The chili powder and cumin add a warm, spicy kick that makes every bite irresistible. Let's dive into this easy, delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
What You Will Need
What you will need to make chili mac casserole
- Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Onion and garlic: Provide a savory base, enhancing the overall taste with aromatic depth.
- Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Create a tangy, saucy consistency that binds the ingredients together.
- Kidney beans: Add texture and additional protein, making the casserole more nutritious.
- Elbow macaroni: The pasta component that absorbs flavors and provides a comforting, chewy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping, adding a creamy richness.
- Chili powder and cumin: Essential spices that give the dish its signature chili flavor.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering the chili mixture.
- Baking dish: Needed to bake the casserole and melt the cheese.
- Colander: Useful for draining cooked macaroni.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients together.
- Cheese grater: Necessary for shredding cheddar cheese.
Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting casserole combining chili and macaroni.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can Tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can Kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes:
Feel free to add more spices or vegetables to suit your taste.
Read more: Green Chili Rice Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the chili mac casserole as directed, but don't bake it.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but skip baking.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the chili powder can give the Chili Mac Casserole a subtle depth of flavor that surprises the taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this Chili Mac Casserole?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or rotini.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare it in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely, feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or any veggies you like.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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