Cheese Chile Casserole Dish
Cheese Chile Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish combining pasta, seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, topped with cheese shapes. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 package (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- 8 slices (1 oz. each) American cheese ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) mild chili beans in sauce, drained ⓘ
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Place ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Cook and stir over medium heat for 6-7 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning mix and the amount of water specified on the package; continue cooking according to package directions.
- Using any cookie cutter, cut shapes out of American cheese and set aside.
- Chop remaining cheese into small pieces.
- Combine chopped cheese, cooked macaroni, seasoned meat mixture, drained chili beans, undrained diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and salt; mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with the cheese shapes and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or swapping the American cheese for pepper jack. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef. To save on cleanup, use a one-pot method by cooking everything in the same skillet before baking. This dish also works well with rotini or penne pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, pair it with pickled jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, and also pairs beautifully with other American recipes like Cheeseburger Macaroni.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. If the casserole is dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Chile Casserole Dish contains roughly 308 calories, with 15g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 804mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils in place of meat. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To elevate the spice level, consider adding diced green chilies or using a spicier taco seasoning mix. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when combining the ingredients for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).