Baked Chili Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together rich homemade chili, tender elbow macaroni, and a bubbly blanket of melted cheese in one cozy baking dish. Every bite gives you savory ground beef, hearty beans, warm spices, and creamy pasta wrapped in cheesy goodness. Because it’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family, this casserole quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. It also reheats beautifully, which makes it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, and next-day leftovers.
I first made Baked Chili Mac Casserole on a rainy evening when everyone wanted something warm, filling, and comforting. Chili was already on my mind, but I also had pasta in the pantry, so combining the two felt like the perfect answer. As the beef simmered with tomatoes and spices, the whole kitchen smelled rich and inviting. Once the cheese bubbled into a golden topping, everyone was already gathered around the oven waiting. Since then, this dish has become one of those dependable meals that always feels like home.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente and drain.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add onion, then garlic.
- Add beans, tomatoes, sauce, paste, and seasonings. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Fold in macaroni and transfer to greased baking dish.
- Top with cheeses and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Why This Casserole Always Wins
Two Comfort Food Classics in One
This recipe combines everything people love about classic beef chili and cheesy baked macaroni. The pasta absorbs the chili sauce beautifully, so every bite feels deeply flavorful.
Meanwhile, the melted cheddar topping adds the creamy finish that makes the whole casserole irresistible.
Perfect for Busy Families
Because the dish uses pantry staples like pasta, canned beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, it’s easy to pull together even on busy nights.
In addition, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Ingredients That Build Bold Flavor
The Chili Mac Base
You’ll need:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- onion
- garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- oregano
- salt
- black pepper
- optional cayenne
These ingredients create a thick, hearty chili that clings perfectly to the pasta.
The Cheesy Topping
For the perfect finish:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- fresh parsley
The cheddar gives bold flavor, while mozzarella adds extra stretch and melt.
How to Make Baked Chili Mac Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic briefly.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
- Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Easy Tips for the Best Texture
Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after baking.
Also, let the casserole rest before slicing so the cheese and sauce set nicely.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Simple Ways to Customize
This casserole is easy to adapt:
- add corn
- use black beans
- swap ground turkey
- make it spicy with jalapeños
- top with crushed tortilla chips
Therefore, it works for different tastes while keeping the same comforting base.
What to Serve With It
Serve alongside:
- garlic bread
- green salad
- roasted broccoli
- cornbread
- sour cream and sliced green onions
These sides make the meal feel even heartier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or rotini also work.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, increase cayenne or add diced jalapeños.
How long do leftovers last?
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Baked Chili Mac Casserole is everything a comfort food dinner should be: cheesy, hearty, rich, and incredibly easy to make. With bold chili flavor, tender macaroni, and a golden cheese topping, it’s a family-friendly casserole that satisfies every time. Whether you serve it for a busy weeknight dinner, casual gathering, or cozy weekend meal, this recipe always brings warmth to the table.
