Description
Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. This hearty dish combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy potlucks, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, Chili Mac Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as-is or dress it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream or jalapeños, this dish promises to deliver warmth and joy in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned, undrained)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, water, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the meat mixture with cooked pasta in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
- Spread half of the mixture in a greased 13×9 baking dish, sprinkle with one cup of cheese, then top with the remaining mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg