Hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili Bake
Warm up your evenings with this comforting Hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili Bake! Packed with ground beef, tender macaroni, and seasoned with chili spices, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of flavor, this one-pot meal is sure to become a favorite at your table. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni
1 cup (raw)
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (browned)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Pepper
1 pinch (freshly ground)
Tomato Soup
1 can (canned)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 ounce (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 7 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
3
Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the beef. Mix thoroughly and continue to cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the cooked macaroni and the can of tomato soup to the beef mixture, stirring to combine well. Heat the mixture until it is warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
5
Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chili. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes or until the cheese melts beautifully.
6
Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired, and enjoy your Hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili Bake?
Hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili Bake is a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, macaroni, and chili spices, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include macaroni, ground beef, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, a can of tomato soup, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for about 7 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, then drain off any excess fat.
What spices are used in this chili bake?
This recipe uses a blend of garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while mozzarella is suggested for its melting quality, you can substitute it with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a simple one-pot meal, though the macaroni is boiled separately before being added to the main saucepan.
How long should the beef simmer with the spices?
After adding the spices, continue to cook the beef on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can of tomato soup to create the base of the chili sauce.
How much macaroni do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of raw macaroni.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1/2 pound of ground beef for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this chili bake?
Absolutely! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or corn when browning the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of pasta, mild tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes it a very family-friendly dish.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover the pot with a lid, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives for this recipe.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables.
How can I make the chili bake spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free, but you can make it so by using gluten-free macaroni and a certified gluten-free tomato soup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient amounts (1/2 lb beef and 1 cup macaroni), it typically serves 2 people.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or use a microwave.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
What shape of pasta is best for this recipe?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can also use shells, rotini, or penne.
Can I substitute the tomato soup with something else?
You can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, though you may need to add a bit of sugar and seasoning to match the flavor of soup.
Is this recipe easy to double?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double if you are cooking for a larger group or want extra leftovers.
Can I finish this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil it for a minute or two for a bubbly, browned crust.
What if I don't have chili powder?
You can use a mix of cumin, paprika, and a tiny bit of oregano as a substitute for chili powder.
Can I add beans to this chili bake?
Yes, adding a can of kidney beans or black beans (rinsed and drained) is a great way to bulk up the dish.
Why do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Draining the fat prevents the final dish from being overly greasy and helps the tomato soup and spices coat the ingredients better.
How long does the final heating step take?
After combining the beef and macaroni with the soup, it takes about 5-10 minutes to heat through completely.