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Test Kitchen Approved

Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole

Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

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About

Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole combines all your favorite classics! Macaroni and cheese & chili in a casserole form — what more could you ask for? This dish includes tender ground beef, hearty kidney chili beans, and melted cheese for a meal that will leave you feeling full and happy. Make Chili Mac & Cheese Casserole for the perfect mixture of the best comfort and indulgence foods!

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) box elbow pasta
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 (16-ounce) cans kidney chili beans in mild sauce
  • 2 (1-ounce) packets chili seasoning
  • salt, optional, to taste
  • pepper, optional, to taste
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • fresh parsley, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Step 3 -Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4 -In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, while crumbling, until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.

Step 5 -Transfer the beef to a plate and drain the Dutch oven of fat.

Step 6 -In the same pot, sauté the onions and the garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 7 -Add in the cooked beef, the tomatoes, the chili beans, and the chili seasoning.

Step 8 -Season with the salt and the pepper, as needed.

Step 9 -Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the tomato mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 10 -Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the chili. Mix well.

Step 11 -Transfer the chili mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 12 -Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 13 -Bake until the cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.

Step 14 -Serve topped with the chopped parsley.

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