Chili Macaroni Casserole.”

Chili Macaroni Casserole is the perfect blend of hearty chili and creamy, cheesy pasta, baked to perfection in one comforting dish. With bold flavors, melty cheese, and a rich, meaty sauce, it’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that fills bellies.

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Making casseroles for dinner is an easy way to make a hearty supper for your family, often without having to dirty up the kitchen too much. My family enjoys casseroles like this one and Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. This is like a homemade Hamburger Helper, a quick dinner recipe that is perfect for the whole family, even those picky eaters. 

Why You’ll Love This One

This family favorite chili mac and cheese casserole is super simple to toss together and even easier to customize to suit your family’s tastebuds. Uses affordable and simple ingredients to make a classic dish like my Taco Chili.

I also love that you can make this recipe ahead of time, making it a must-make and easy for meal prep.

Let’s Gather The Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: Any short-cut pasta will work.
• Ground beef: I prefer ground beef but ground turkey will also work.
• Vegetables: diced onion, diced red bell pepper, green chiles, and canned tomatoes with the juices.
• Spices and herbs: cumin, chili seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne powder, salt, and minced garlic clove.s 
• Beef stock: Use low-sodium if you prefer.
• Tomato sauce: Adds depth in flavor. 
• Kidney bean: you can use light kidney beans or dark red kidney beans
• Cheese: shredded cheddar cheese 

How to Make this Casserole

• Step 1: Cook macaroni to al dente according to the directions on the box. Drain pasta and set aside. Start to brown ground beef in a deep, large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Step 2: Add bell pepper and diced onion. Continue to cook ground beef until no longer pink and the veggies have started to soften. Drain off any excess grease.

• Step 3: Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook a bit longer. 
• Step 4: Pour beef stock, tomato sauce, green chiles, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes into the skillet and simmer.

• Step 5: Add cooked pasta into the deep skillet. Add some of the shredded cheese to the mix. Stir everything together. 
• Step 6: Top with the remainder of the shredded cheese. Reduce heat and cover with lid and let sit for a few minutes so the shredded cheese can melt on top. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Use Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.
• Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños, jalapeno slices, or hot sauce for a kick.
• Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans or chili beans for a meatless version.
• Top It Off – Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, green onions, or fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
• Leftover chili Mac casserole can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days when kept in the fridge.