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Homemade chili mac casserole recipe fresh from the oven with melted cheese bubbling on top in a white baking dish, overhead shot on a white kitchen counter.

Chili Mac Casserole Recipe

A cheesy, hearty Chili Mac Casserole Recipe that combines the best of chili and macaroni into one easy 30-minute dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or potlucks.
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Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven For browning meat and building flavor
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish Glass or ceramic works best
  • 1 Large pot At least 4-quart capacity, for pasta
  • 1 Wooden spoon/spatula Heat-resistant, for stirring
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For chopping onions and garlic
  • 1 Cheese grater Freshly shredded cheese melts better
  • 1 Aluminum foil Covering casserole to prevent over-browning
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend for best flavor
  • 1 small Onion Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) Kidney beans Drained, optional but recommended
  • 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni Use whole wheat for healthier option
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded, sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
  • ½ cup Sour cream Or substitute Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon Chili powder Adjust heat to preference
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Warm earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Subtle smokiness
  • ½ teaspoon Salt To taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 cup Beef broth Keeps mixture moist

Instructions

  • Heat skillet, cook ground beef until browned (5–6 min). Add onion and cook 3 min, then garlic 30 sec. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in spices, toast 1 min. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans. Simmer 5 min.
  • Boil macaroni until al dente, drain.
  • Mix chili mixture with pasta, fold in sour cream and 1 cup cheddar. Transfer to baking dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheddar + mozzarella over top.
  • Cover with foil, bake 20 min at 375°F. Remove foil, bake 10 min more until bubbly.
  • Let rest 5 min before serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 350g | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 680mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 4mg