Contrary to common belief, comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes the most satisfying meals come from combining simple ingredients in clever ways. Enter the Ground Beef Chili Mac Bake, a brilliant fusion that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. This Cheesy Tex-Mex Recipe marries the bold flavors of chili with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Furthermore, this Family Comfort Food delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag. While restaurant portions often leave you wanting more, this hearty casserole feeds a family of six for under $15. Additionally, unlike complicated recipes that require multiple pots and pans, this Easy Weeknight Meal comes together in just one baking dish. The result? Less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner with your loved ones.
Ingredients
This Ground Beef Pasta Dinner relies on pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. Moreover, the ingredient list offers flexibility for dietary preferences and budget considerations.
Protein Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 blend recommended, or substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 3 garlic cloves, minced fresh
Pasta Foundation:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (substitute with penne or shells if preferred)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium works best)
Flavor Builders:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Elements:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Garnish Options:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced thin
- Jalapeño slices for heat lovers
Timing
Planning makes this Quick Oven Dinner even more manageable. Total time commitment runs approximately 45 minutes, which beats takeout delivery by 15-20 minutes in most areas.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Active Cooking: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Interestingly, this timeline allows you to prep vegetables while pasta water heats, then brown the meat while noodles cook. Consequently, multitasking cuts the overall preparation time significantly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Kitchen and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Next, gather all ingredients on your counter for efficient workflow. This mise en place approach prevents overcooking and reduces stress.
Cook the Pasta Foundation
Drop the elbow macaroni into boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Therefore, if the package says 8 minutes, cook for 6 minutes. This prevents mushy pasta during the baking process. Afterwards, drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Build the Meat Base
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned completely, approximately 5-6 minutes. Then, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes more. Finally, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Chili Flavor Profile
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano over the meat mixture. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their oils. Next, add diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Assemble
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Pour in beef broth and gently mix everything together. Subsequently, dollop sour cream and heavy cream throughout the mixture. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Finally, let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Nutritional Information
This Cheesy Pasta Bake provides substantial nutrition in each serving. Based on six servings per recipe, here’s the breakdown:
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sodium | 680mg | 30% |
Additionally, this dish provides excellent amounts of iron from the ground beef and calcium from the cheese blend. The kidney beans contribute plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestive health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Ground Beef Dinner into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Several simple swaps can reduce calories while maintaining the satisfying taste profile.
Protein Modifications:
Replace ground beef with 93/7 lean ground beef or ground turkey breast. Alternatively, try a 50/50 blend of ground beef and lentils for added fiber. Plant-based ground meat also works well for vegetarian households.
Dairy Adjustments:
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to boost protein content. Use reduced-fat cheese or decrease cheese quantity by 25%. Moreover, unsweetened cashew cream can replace heavy cream for dairy-free diets.
Carbohydrate Swaps:
Try whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for increased protein and fiber. Alternatively, replace half the pasta with diced zucchini or cauliflower for lower carbohydrates.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Family Comfort Food pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. Consider these options to round out your meal.
Fresh Accompaniments:
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Additionally, corn bread or warm tortillas make excellent bread options. Fresh avocado slices add creamy texture and healthy fats.
Tex-Mex Additions:
Top individual servings with fresh salsa, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce for customizable heat levels. Furthermore, a dollop of guacamole transforms each bite into a complete Tex-Mex experience.
Beverage Pairings:
Cold beer or iced tea complement the spicy flavors perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try lime-infused sparkling water or traditional agua fresca.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Success with this Easy Weeknight Meal comes from avoiding these frequent pitfalls. Learning from others’ experiences saves time and frustration.
Overcooking the Pasta:
Many home cooks fully cook pasta before baking, resulting in mushy texture. Instead, undercook pasta by 2 minutes since it continues cooking in the oven.
Skipping the Spice Toasting:
Adding spices without toasting them first creates flat flavors. Therefore, always cook spices with the meat for 30 seconds to develop deeper taste.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese:
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Consequently, grating fresh cheese produces better texture and flavor.
Insufficient Seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. The dish needs adequate salt to bring all flavors together harmoniously.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage extends the life of this Cheesy Tex-Mex Recipe and maintains food safety standards. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Refrigerator Storage:
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored, leftovers last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Additionally, divide into individual portions for convenient reheating.
Freezer Options:
This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for best protection. Alternatively, freeze in meal-sized portions using freezer-safe containers.
Reheating Instructions:
Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, using 50% power to prevent uneven heating.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Chili Mac Bake proves that comfort food can be both simple and spectacular. With its perfect balance of protein, pasta, and melted cheese, it satisfies even the pickiest eaters while providing excellent nutritional value. Moreover, the recipe’s flexibility allows for countless variations and dietary adaptations.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or preparing meals for the week ahead, this Quick Oven Dinner delivers every time. The combination of familiar flavors with minimal effort makes it a reliable addition to your dinner rotation.
Ready to create this crowd-pleasing casserole? Gather your ingredients tonight and experience the magic of this Cheesy Pasta Bake. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover along the way!
FAQs
Can I make this Ground Beef Chili Mac Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. Microwave works for single servings, but oven reheating maintains the original texture better.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What pasta shapes work best besides elbow macaroni?
Penne, rotini, or shells work excellently. Choose shapes with ridges or curves that hold the sauce well.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, or include cayenne pepper. Hot sauce on the side allows individual heat preferences.
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