Spicy Chili-Mac Bake
This Spicy Chili-Mac Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for using up leftover homemade chili or a quick meal with canned chili. Packed with rich flavors from seasoned chili, gooey cheeses, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce, making it customizable to your taste. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty meal prep option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili
4-5 cups (homemade or canned)
Elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (for layering)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Jalapeno pepper
to taste (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, gently simmer the chili over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
3
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
4
Grease a deep, 8-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
5
Spoon 1 cup of the warm chili evenly over the bottom of the dish.
6
Layer half of the macaroni over the chili. Drizzle half of the ketchup (about 1/4 cup) over the macaroni followed by half of the remaining chili and half of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, 1/4 cup ketchup, the remaining chili, and the rest of the cheeses.
8
Top the final layer with slices of jalapeño pepper if you’d like a spicy kick.
9
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10
Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chili-Mac Bake?
It is a comfort food dish made by layering cooked macaroni, chili, ketchup, and cheese, then baking it until bubbly.
How many cups of chili do I need?
The recipe requires 4 to 5 cups of homemade or canned chili.
Can I use canned chili for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either leftover homemade chili or your favorite brand of canned chili.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
8 ounces of elbow macaroni is recommended for the best texture and shape.
How do I prepare the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain it well before layering.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before putting the casserole in.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A deep, 8-quart casserole dish is recommended to hold all the layers.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the macaroni and cheese from sticking.
Why is ketchup used in this recipe?
Ketchup is drizzled over the macaroni layers to add a touch of sweetness and tang that balances the spices in the chili.
What kind of cheese is used in Spicy Chili-Mac Bake?
The recipe uses a combination of 8 ounces of Monterey Jack pepper cheese and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese.
How do I make the dish spicier?
You can add a spicy kick by topping the final layer with sliced jalapeño peppers or adding hot sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty meal prep option that can be portioned out and reheated later.
How long should the chili be simmered?
Gently simmer the chili over low heat until it is heated through before you begin the layering process.
What are the steps for layering the casserole?
Start with a cup of chili, then layer macaroni, ketchup, more chili, and cheese; repeat these layers once more.
Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
Do I bake it uncovered at any point?
Yes, remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking to let the cheese become bubbly and golden.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Monterey Jack and cheddar are recommended, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like Colby or Pepper Jack.
How much ketchup is used in total?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of ketchup total, split between two layers.
Is the jalapeño pepper mandatory?
No, the jalapeño slices are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, omit the jalapeños and use plain Monterey Jack cheese instead of the pepper version.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-transport dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Can I use whole wheat macaroni?
Yes, whole wheat macaroni can be used as a healthier substitute for standard pasta.
How much cheese is needed in total?
You will need 16 ounces (1 pound) of shredded cheese in total.
Do I need to heat the chili before layering?
Yes, simmering it until warm ensures the casserole heats evenly in the oven.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is rich and gooey with perfectly cooked macaroni and a bubbly cheese topping.
Can I add extra vegetables?
You can customize the bake by adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the chili layers.
How many layers does the casserole have?
The casserole consists of two main cycles of macaroni, ketchup, chili, and cheese layers.
Can I use frozen chili?
Yes, just ensure the chili is fully thawed and simmered until warm before assembling the bake.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, the chili and macaroni contribute fiber to the dish.