Chili Mac Casserole
A hearty, flavorful chili mac casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, beans, and pasta—perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive or canola oil ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes or 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked macaroni
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large nonstick frypan, heat the oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced celery; cook about 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes (with juice), dried oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add drained kidney beans and cooked macaroni.
- Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes for convenience. If you want extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Make sure to taste as you go, adjusting seasonings to your preference, especially if you're using low-sodium beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Mac Casserole with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Rick'S Famous Chili for a family gathering or potluck. For a fun twist, top each serving with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Mac Casserole contains roughly 858 calories, with 35g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2759mg per serving (120% 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 dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Chili Mac Casserole a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and bake until heated through. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Each type of bean will add its unique taste, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value. You can sauté them along with the onions and peppers for a well-rounded dish. Just be mindful of the moisture they release, which may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
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).