Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Chili Macaroni Casserole! This family-friendly recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich, spiced chili base made with diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and aromatic seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh green onions, this baked casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavors. Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Serve it warm for a satisfying, one-dish meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Calories |
3306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.7 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.7 g | 414% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 561 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 4924 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 258.7 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.0 g | 132% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 187.1 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1879 mg | 145% | |
| Iron | 28.4 mg | 158% | |
| Potassium | 3056 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.