Chili-Burger Supper
A hearty, cheesy chili-burger casserole combining pasta, savory ground beef, and melted American cheese—perfect for a quick, comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain thoroughly.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the drained macaroni, chili-beef soup, and tomato soup with the cooked beef in the skillet.
- Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until bubbly.
- Cut the American cheese slices in half diagonally.
- Place the cheese triangles on top of the hot mixture.
- Cover and let sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before heating. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. If you don't have sharp American cheese, any melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack will work well. For a kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix, reminiscent of flavors in Sonny'S Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili-burger supper with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs well with a cold beverage, such as iced tea or a light lager. For a fun twist, serve it in a baked potato or over rice, similar to the Hamburger Casserole(Full Meal).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili-Burger Supper contains roughly 265 calories, with 14g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1094mg per serving (48% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or using lentils for added texture and protein. Replace the chili-beef soup with a vegetarian version or a homemade bean chili for a flavorful result.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder when cooking the beef. You could also use a spicy chili-beef soup or top the finished dish with hot sauce for an extra kick. This way, you can customize the heat level to your preference.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don’t have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. You may need to adjust the seasoning since tomato soup often contains added sugar and spices. Adding a teaspoon of sugar and some Italian herbs can help replicate the flavor of tomato soup.
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).