Get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of comfort and chaos, folks! This Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole is about to rock your world with its insane flavor explosion. We’re talking about a decadent, creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s been supercharged with a spicy, meaty chili – and it’s all wrapped up in a casserole that’s sure to make your taste buds do the happy dance. Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole
This Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s sure to leave you craving more. With its velvety smooth cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a kick of spicy chili, this dish is a flavor sensation that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. The best part? It’s all baked to bubbly, golden-brown perfection, making it the ultimate in cozy, indulgent satisfaction. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to have all your friends and family begging for the recipe!
Ingredients
Get ready to gather up some of the most epic, flavor-packed ingredients to create this Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole. You’ll need elbow macaroni, ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a few other pantry staples. Trust me, the flavor combination is about to be LEGENDARY!
- 8 oz (2 cups) – elbow macaroni
- 1 lb – ground beef
- 1 medium – onion, diced
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – chili powder
- 1 tsp – cumin
- 1 tsp – paprika
- 15 oz can – crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup – beef broth
- 8 oz – cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups – shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner protein option)
- Cheese: Pepper jack or Gouda (for a flavor twist)
How to Make Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole
Let’s get this flavor train rollin’, folks! Here’s how to whip up this Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting all our ducks in a row. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the veggies are softened. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and let those flavors get cozy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to take this dish to the next level. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the skillet, and let that chili simmer away until it’s thickened up nicely. Creamy, dreamy heaven is on its way, folks! Once the chili is ready, it’s time to bring the mac and cheese into the mix. Add the cooked macaroni, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses to the skillet, and stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
This is where the magic really happens. Preheat your oven to 375°F, and transfer the Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese mixture to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top it with a little extra shredded cheese for good measure. Pop that baby in the oven and let it bake until it’s bubbly and golden-brown, about 20-25 minutes. This is where the flavor explosion begins, my friends!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once that Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole comes out of the oven, it’s time to take it to the next level. Sprinkle on some freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and serve it up hot and ready to devour. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience that’s about to rock your world!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Some Spice!: Try adding in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Switch Up the Pasta: Feel free to swap in a different short, sturdy pasta shape like penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
- Mix In More Goodies: Black beans, corn, or diced avocado would all make delicious additions to this casserole.
- Top It Off: Crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or freshly chopped cilantro would make amazing toppings for this dish.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a crusty loaf of garlic bread.
Storage: Leftover Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance, then covered and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
Get ready to FEAST, folks, because this Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole is an absolute explosion of flavor and indulgence. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce, hearty ground beef, and comforting pasta, this dish is definitely not the healthiest option on the block. But hey, sometimes you just need to treat yourself to something INSANE, and this casserole definitely fits the bill. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, and maybe pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies to balance it all out.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 39 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish more spicy?
If you’re looking to crank up the heat, try adding in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also use a hotter variety of chili powder or swap in some spicy salsa for the crushed tomatoes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the dish, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.
What can I serve with this casserole?
The possibilities are endless, but some delicious sides that would pair well include a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of garlic bread. You could also top it with some extra toppings like avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short, sturdy pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even small shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal down the line.
Try These Next
- Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole With Savory Cornbread Topping
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
Creamy Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy chili mac and cheese casserole is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese with the spiciness of chili. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chili, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Feel free to use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chili, macaroni, cheese, casserole, comfort food