Get ready to have your taste buds explode with the ultimate comfort food mashup – our Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping! This epic dish is a revolutionary fusion of two beloved classics, elevating them to legendary status. Brace yourself for a flavor sensation that will have you coming back for more, time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping
This sensational casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly nights when you crave something cozy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The irresistible combination of spicy, smoky chili and creamy, cheesy macaroni, topped with a heavenly cornbread crust, is an absolute game-changer. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
This insane Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping is made with a mouthwatering blend of ingredients that come together to create a truly epic flavor experience. From the smoky, spicy chili to the creamy, cheesy macaroni and the golden, buttery cornbread topping, every component is carefully selected to deliver maximum deliciousness.
- 1 lb – Ground beef, for the chili
- 1 onion, diced – For the chili
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For the chili
- 2 tbsp chili powder – Spices for the chili
- 1 tsp cumin – Spices for the chili
- 1 tsp oregano – Spices for the chili
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes – For the chili
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed – For the chili
- 1 lb elbow macaroni – For the mac and cheese base
- 4 tbsp butter – For the cornbread topping
- 1 cup cornmeal – For the cornbread topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For the cornbread topping
- 1 cup milk – For the cornbread topping
- 1 egg – For the cornbread topping
- 1 tsp baking powder – For the cornbread topping
- 1/2 tsp salt – For the cornbread topping
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (great for a leaner or meat-free version)
- Kidney Beans: Black beans or pinto beans (play with different bean varieties)
How to Make Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping is about to take your culinary skills to new, explosive heights.
Step 1: Prepare the Chili
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans, and simmer the chili for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the chili is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the prepared chili. Transfer the chili mac mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Cornbread Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, egg, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the chili mac mixture.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, sour cream, or additional shredded cheese, if desired. Y’all ready to dive in and experience a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds jumping for joy?
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili for an extra kick of heat.
- Cheese It Out: Top the cornbread with a layer of gooey, melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra dose of cheesy goodness.
- Bacon Bliss: Crumble some crispy bacon over the top of the casserole for a salty, smoky twist.
- Southwestern Spin: Swap the elbow macaroni for rotini or penne pasta, and add some diced green bell peppers or corn to the chili for a Southwestern-inspired flair.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the casserole back into the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.
Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal-prepping! You can assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Nutrition Information
This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping is a delicious and satisfying comfort food classic, but it’s also packed with valuable nutrients to nourish your body. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a truly epic and wholesome meal option.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 555 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 63 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 651 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Cozy Chili Mac Casserole gluten-free, simply swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own gluten-free cornbread topping.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this Cozy Chili Mac Casserole is perfect for meal-prepping! You can assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this Cozy Chili Mac Casserole dairy-free, simply swap out the shredded cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative, such as shredded vegan cheese. You can also use unsweetened plant-based milk in the cornbread topping.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Cozy Chili Mac Casserole freezes beautifully! Once the casserole has cooled, you can wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as directed.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping is a complete meal on its own, but you can definitely take it to the next level by serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of sautéed vegetables. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing this epic dish with your favorite sides!
Try These Next
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Cozy Chili Mac Casserole with Cheesy Cornbread Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cozy Chili Mac Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring macaroni and cheese baked with a flavorful chili mix, topped with a cheesy cornbread layer.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 packet chili seasoning
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 box cornbread mix
1 cup milk
1 egg
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3. 3. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and macaroni to the skillet. Stir well.
4. 4. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
5. 5. Transfer the chili mac mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. 6. In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Mix until smooth.
7. 7. Pour the cornbread batter over the chili mac mixture and spread evenly.
8. 8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. 9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chili, Macaroni, Casserole, Comfort Food