This Chili Mac Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for those who like casserole dishes with a little kick for family dinner! Are you ready to try a dish that perfectly blends the spicy goodness of chili with the hearty comfort of macaroni and cheese? Well, say hello to the Chili Mac Casserole!
Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
This recipe is a delightful twist on two classic dishes that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this Chili Mac Casserole will be a hit. Without further ado, let's jump into this delicious adventure!
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How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole
Less time cooking and more time to sit down with a nice meal and a glass of wine? Talk about the prefect way to end the day! If you'd like to try my Chili Mac and Cheese Casserole, the recipe is quite simple!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to create this scrumptious casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package macaroni noodles
- 16 oz marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded (separate into two ¾ cups)
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Why These Ingredients?
Sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese add a melty, cheesy goodness that's irresistible.
Ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Macaroni noodles provide the perfect base, soaking up the sauce and seasoning.
Marinara sauce gives the dish a tangy tomato flavor.
Chili seasoning brings in just the right amount of spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Saute the 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's browned. Once done, set it aside.
3. Prepare the Macaroni Noodles
Cook your macaroni noodles according to the package directions. When fully cooked, drain and set aside.
4. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the 16 oz marinara sauce and 3 tablespoons of chili seasoning. Make sure the seasoning is well-distributed throughout the sauce.
5. Mix Everything Together
Add the cooked ground beef and macaroni noodles to the sauce mixture. Then, mix in ½ cup of shredded pepper jack cheese and ¾ cup of sharp cheddar. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted and beginning to turn golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Now, dig in and enjoy the comforting taste of Chili Mac Casserole!
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Chili Mac Casserole
- Spice it Up: Add extra chili seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce if you like your food on the spicier side.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or even corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Cheese Galore: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to add more cheese on top!
I know that many people still like to print out recipes and keep them in a recipe binder, or simply have the printed recipe sitting in front of them when it comes time to cook!
Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package macaroni noodles
- 16 oz marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar shredded (separate into two ¾ cups)
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Saute ground beef until browned and set aside. Cook your macaroni noodles according to the package directions. When fully cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce with the chili seasoning, ensuring that it is completely mixed throughout the sauce. Combine the ground beef, macaroni noodles and sauce, and mix in the pepper jack cheese and ¾ cups of the sharp cheddar. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and top with the remaining ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to turn golden brown. Easy enough, right?
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