Baked Chili Mac Casserole
This Baked Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate mashup of two all-time comfort classics. By simmering the beef with kidney beans, tomato paste, and a blend of smoky spices, you create a robust chili that clings perfectly to the elbow macaroni. The final bake under a blanket of cheddar and mozzarella transforms it from a simple stovetop pasta into a bubbly, cohesive casserole that is perfect for a crowd.
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Baked Chili Mac Casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Pasta | |
| Elbow macaroni (dry) | 12 oz |
| Salt (for boiling) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili Mixture | |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Kidney beans (drained/rinsed) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Diced tomatoes (with juices) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt (adjust to taste) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Small onion (diced) | 1 |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cheese Topping | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
How To Make Baked Chili Mac Casserole
Step 1: The Pasta Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F. Boil your macaroni in salted water until al dente.
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AI Peer Tip: Make sure the pasta still has a bit of a “bite” to it. It will continue to cook and absorb the tomato juices while in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents it from becoming mushy later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat, then add your onions. Sauté for 3/4 minutes until they are translucent. Stir in the garlic for just 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
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Step 3: Build the Chili Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all the spices. Let this simmer uncovered for 8/10 minutes. This “reduction” time is what concentrates the flavor so your casserole isn’t watery.
Step 4: Combine and Layer Mix your cooked macaroni into the chili mixture until every noodle is coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it generously with the cheddar and mozzarella.
Step 5: The Final Bake Bake uncovered for 15/20 minutes. You are looking for that cheese to be completely molten and just starting to turn golden around the edges.
Step 6: The Rest Let the dish sit for 5 minutes.
