Oven Baked 3-Ingredients Chili Mac Casserole
This Oven Baked 3-Ingredients Chili Mac Casserole is hot, cheesy, and perfect for easy nights. Tender elbow macaroni, hearty beef chili, and sharp cheddar bake into a cozy casserole with golden, crunchy edges.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 4 cups hearty beef chili canned or leftover, with beans or without; thick, not watery
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided; use 2 cups in the macaroni and 1 cup for the top
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center.
- Set a disposable 9-by-13-inch foil baking pan on a sturdy baking sheet so the pan is easier and safer to move.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook it just barely al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions.
- Drain the macaroni well, then return it to the warm pot.
- Add the beef chili and 2 cups of the sharp cheddar to the macaroni, then stir until the pasta is coated and the cheese has begun to soften into the chili.
- Pour the chili mac into the foil pan and spread it evenly into the corners.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the top, covering it from edge to edge.
- Tent the pan loosely with foil so it does not touch the cheese, then bake covered for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the top foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden in spots.
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before scooping, then serve it hot straight from the foil pan.
Notes
Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for a few days, covered well; transfer them out of the foil pan if desired. Reheat portions loosely covered in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway if possible, or warm a larger amount covered in the oven until bubbling again. Add a tiny splash of water if the chili mac has thickened overnight. To freeze, divide the mixture between two smaller foil pans before baking, bake one now, and cool the other completely before wrapping tightly and freezing; thaw before reheating covered until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 455kcal
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