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Home » Chili Mac

Chili Mac

March 25, 2020 by Debi 2 Comments

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

chili mac on a plate with a fork and the casserole in the background

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.

chili mac in the casserole dish being served with a wooden spoon

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.

chili mac in the casserole dish

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.

a serving of chili mac on a white plate with a fork

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
looking down on a brown bowl filled with tuna noodle casserole and a spoon in the bowl with a green napkin on the side.
Cream of Mushroom Casserole
This delicious Cream of Mushroom Soup starts with some great Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Check out this recipe
square crop of a cheesy topped casserole with noodles and mushrooms in a blue casserole dish and a serving spoon next to it.
Mexican Casserole
Vegetarian Cheesy Mexican-style Lasagna Casserole with corn tortillas, poblanos, and bell pepper
Check out this recipe
Mexican Casserole It’s a tasty, healthy, and easy to make layered Mexican casserole 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
Cheesy Spanish Rice Casserole recipe – Mexican flavored rice casserole is a hit with my family. They have asked for it several times. And, I love how easy it is to make!
a bite of chili mac on a fork

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Chili Mac Recipe

chili mac in the casserole dish being served with a wooden spoon

Chili Mac

Debi
Chili Mac is a super easy casserole to make, and it’s delicious comfort food that the whole family will ask for!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 427 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  • In a casserole dish, combine all ingredients, except ½ of the can of fried onions. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining fried onions, and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until onions are golden.

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 chili, mac
Tried this recipe?Mention @LifeCurrents or tag #LifeCurrents!
chili mac in the casserole dish
I first published this recipe in my Cookbook, Cupboard Cooking. This was one of the photos I included.
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Filed Under: Budget, Main Dish, Vegetarian, Weeknight meals Tagged With: chili, Cooking, Cupboard, Food, pasta, recipe

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about debi

ABOUT DEBI

Hello! I’m Debi, the girl behind Life Currents where I write about mainly healthy vegetarian dishes. My husband eats meat, so occasionally I share some of his dishes as well. And, I’ll share tasty treats and projects that we do. Read more...

Previous Post: « Recipes Using Shelf Stable Ingredients
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 2pots2cook

    March 27, 2020 at 1:48 am

    5 stars
    Looove nice and flexible; especially these days ! Thank you so much ! Pinned and shared, of course 🙂 Hope you are all OK 🙂

  2. Kathleen

    April 5, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    So delish! My family gobbled this up, perfect for these times when it’s harder to find some ingredients!

5 from 2 votes

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Hi! I’m Debi, the girl behind Life Currents, where I write about mainly healthy vegetarian dishes with some great desserts and other goodies mixed in! Read More >>>

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