Chili Mac Casserole

Chili Mac is a super easy casserole to make, and it’s delicious comfort food that the whole family will ask for!

We appreciate your support

Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.

Hearty Casserole

This chili mac is a blend of macaroni, chili, tomato sauce, cheese, fried onions, and spices. It’s the perfect comfort food option that will please even the pickiest eater. And, you may have seen it in my cookbook, Cupboard Cooking.

This hearty combination of chili and pasta with cheese has been filling empty bellies for decades. It’s great for using up leftover chili, or simply use a can of your favorite chili.

I’ve been making this recipe for many years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I even get requests all the time for it.

Use what you have

I’ve changed it up several times based on what I have in the cupboards. The recipe is nice and flexible.

I like the small elbow macaroni best for this recipe. It’s classic, and the small size allows you to get all the goodies in one spoonful.

However, if you find yourself without elbow macaroni, simply use whatever you have. Penne works, small shells, rigatoni, etc…

What kind of chili to use

This week I’m using leftover homemade Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili. But often I simply use a can of my favorite veggie chili. Use your favorite here. Beans, no beans, meat, veggies, it’s all good.

What kind of tomatoes?

When I fist started making this recipe it called for a can of condensed tomato soup. It’s great with that, maybe a bit salty for my taste now. Since I stopped using canned soups due to the sodium, I’ve swapped the soup for canned tomato sauce. I’ve also used crushed tomatoes and jarred spaghetti sauce in a pinch. I will say that the jarred spaghetti sauce is my least favorite way to make it. Heck, you could even try a can of diced tomatoes, leave the juice in, for a chunky chili mac.

Fried onions

The canned fried onions are so good. But, yes, I have left them out on occasion. I do think it’s better with them; I mean, they’re so tasty! I just have to make sure I don’t snack on the whole can while I wait for the casserole to bake. And, no, they aren’t the healthiest ingredient ever, but everything in moderation, including moderation.

Cheese

I have also left out the cheese when I’m watching my cheese intake. Um, of course, it’s better with the cheese. Just saying. But it is possible to leave it out if you need to. You can also feel free to use any cheese you like, pepper jack, mozzarella, gouda, whatever.

More great casseroles

Looking for more delicious and easy to make casseroles? Here’s a few ideas:

No Bake Tuna Casserole

Quick and Delicious No Bake Tuna Casserole is a great twist on a classic comfort food dish.

Check out this recipe

Cream of Mushroom Casserole

This Cream of Mushroom Casserole is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food! Loaded with creamy homemade mushroom soup, pasta, veggies, and cheese — it’s hearty, healthy, and family-approved. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals!

Check out this recipe

Mexican Casserole

Vegetarian Cheesy Mexican-style Lasagna Casserole with corn tortillas, poblanos, and bell pepper

Check out this recipe

Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole is great as a quick and easy dinner or 30 minute meal.

Check out this recipe

Follow me on social media

If you like seeing my recipes subscribe via email in the upper right.
Or, connect with me on your favorite social media channel for recipes, photos, & much more:
Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter!
And find my shop on Amazon for recommendations on cool tools

If you try this recipe,
please come back & leave a comment below letting us know how it goes.
Share a picture & tag @lifecurrents on Instagram.
Or you can upload a “tried it” photo (I would love to see)
via the pin.

Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac

Debi

Chili Mac Casserole, an Easy Comfort Food Dinner, combines two comfort-food favorites, chili and macaroni and cheese. Instead of serving chili on its own, you combine it with cooked pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and seasonings, then bake it into a hearty casserole that the whole family will love!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going to sleep.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 427 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups small elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 can chili 15 ounce or 2 cups homemade chili
• 1 can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, or condensed tomato soup, or jarred spaghetti sauce (from 11-15 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings or a mixture of basil and oregano
• 6 ounces canned crispy fried onions

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Add the cooked and drained macaroni, chili, tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the crispy fried onions to a casserole dish. Stir until well combined. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Remove the lid/cover and top with the remaining fried onions. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crisp. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use about 2 cups of homemade chili or one 15-ounce can of chili. Vegetarian chili, beef chili, bean chili, or chili without beans can all be used.

Small elbow macaroni is my favorite, but other short pasta shapes can be substituted. Cook the pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.

I prefer plain tomato sauce, but crushed tomatoes can also be used. Spaghetti sauce works in a pinch, although it will change the flavor.

Half of the fried onions are mixed into the casserole and the remaining onions are added near the end of baking for a crispy topping.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 11gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 189IUCalcium: 148mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

Keyword casserole, chili, mac

Tried this recipe?Mention @LifeCurrents or tag #LifeCurrents!