Chili Mac Casserole

Name: Chili Mac Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni; 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend; Thinly sliced green onions, optional

This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
Thinly sliced green onions, optional

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, chilies and seasonings. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture.
Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, top with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Chili Mac Casserole in Light & Tasty August/September 2001

Reviews

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Average Rating:

robbrd

Oct 15, 2017

This is a quick and easy recipe that everyone seemed to enjoy. A couple of people felt it needed more spice, which I did up it a little when I made it but apparently not enough for our family's taste. haha
Yvonne

Oct 10, 2017

Delicious! I am not a recipe follower when it comes to spices. But this one I did. I used turkey and beef. I didn't add the tomato paste. I was amazed that one cup of pasta was enough. Reading the recipe I had my doubts about this feeding ten people, but it could. I added fresh red peppers, loads of onions and garlic. The spices were actually enough!! I will be keeping this recipe for many future meals!!!
poobie74

Oct 9, 2017

Very easy to make and delicious to eat. Did not use green chiles, garlic, or cumin; added green pepper.
Toni1954

May 30, 2015

I have to say this dish is amazing, tasty, love it. Been cooking a long time, but this has a wonderful kick.
Medic 716

Apr 2, 2015

Easy to fix and such good flavors...will make again.
rmbarr059

Feb 27, 2015

Good flavor. I cut the recipe in half because I didn't have enough on hand to make the full amount. I substituted the elbow macaroni with whole grain penne and black beans for the kidney beans. Unfortunately I did not have the green chiles either, but it all turned out good anyways. Probably would have been 5 star if I made it as the recipe stated. Will make again.
justfrench

Jan 6, 2014

This has become a family favorite!!!
MereHaney

Sep 1, 2012

Very good recipe, easy to through together. I completely forgot to add the green chilies I don't think I would have liked them anyway. Next time I will add Del Monte Fiesta Corn to the dish! My husband and I really enjoyed this.
Tuckerom

Feb 7, 2012

A good weeknight meal
vbange

Jan 21, 2012

My three boys loved this! We used crushed tomatoes instead of diced, ground turkey instead of beef and we only had 1/4 cup of Mexican cheese, so we supplemented with Mozzarella and it was still delicious! The boys were asking for seconds! This is a keeper.