Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

This cheesy gratin is comfort food for the whole family

Chili. Cheese. Pasta. Bring ‘em on!

And this dish does, in delicious combination. It’s a quick-bake casserole that makes a perfect cold-weather meal. It even gives you an excuse to use leftover chili.

You can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes, so it’s great for weeknight dinners. But it’s tasty enough for company, too.

So take this along to your next pot-luck event. Like maybe your neighbor’s annual Super Bowl party. Who cares which team wins the game? You’ve won the meal.



Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

Recipe: Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

Our chili recipes tend to yield large quantities, more than we can possibly consume at a meal (or even three). So we generally have leftovers in the freezer. We put some of those leftovers to good use in this Chili Mac – which is why we call it “Real Chili.”

Don’t have chili on hand? No worries – we’ll tell you how to make a quicky version (see the Notes).

We like to use beef chili in this dish, but feel free to use your own favorite recipe. If you don’t have one, you could try our Basic Chili or our Slow Cooker Homestyle Chili. Both of those recipes include beans, which you can leave out if you prefer (we like to pair pasta with beans, but not everyone does.)

Prep time for this dish is about 15 minutes, assuming you have chili on hand. Baking time adds another 10 to 15 minutes. So plan on half an hour from start to finish.

This dish will serve 4 hearty appetites. Leftovers keep well for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • ~4 cups leftover chili (see headnote)
  • 8 ounces dried pasta (we prefer macaroni, but use any shape you like)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for seasoning the pasta water; use about half that if using regular table salt)
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ~1 tablespoon butter or oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
  • garnish of diced or sliced jalapeño peppers (optional; may substitute minced cilantro or parsley)
  • garnish of additional grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Procedure
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Pour the leftover chili into a 2-quart saucepan, then reheat it over medium stovetop heat. (You don't want the chili too watery for this dish, so if the chili is too "wet" let some of the liquid boil away as the chili reheats.)
  3. Fill a large soup pot or saucepan with water (use one that holds at least 4 quarts). Bring the water to a boil.
  4. When the water is boiling, add the kosher salt to season it. Add the pasta, and cook until al dente (see package instructions – this usually takes 7 to 9 minutes).
  5. Meanwhile, grate the cheese and set it aside. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with the butter or oil.
  6. When the pasta is done, drain it into a colander or strainer. Pour the drained pasta back into the cooking pot. Add the chili (from Step 2) to the pasta, then stir to combine. Add about half the grated cheese and stir again to combine.
  7. Scrape the chili/pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish. Using a spatula or spoon, smooth the top. Cover the mixture evenly with the rest of the grated cheese. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake until the cheese is nicely melted and beginning to brown (10 minutes should do it, 15 tops). If you want to fully brown the cheese, you can run the dish under the broiler for the last 2 or 3 minutes of baking.
  8. When the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes so the juices have time to be absorbed into the pasta. Use this time to dice or slice some jalapeño peppers for garnish (if using). 
  9. Dish up the chili mac and add the garnish, if using. Enjoy!
Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

Notes
  • Many recipes for Chili Mac direct you to make chili as part of the recipe. That works OK, but those recipes take longer to prepare. And the chili may not be the best, since it doesn’t cook for long. So we always use leftover chili when we make this dish.
  • But if you don’t have chili on hand, here’s a quick version you can prepare: Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a frying pan (season to taste with salt – about 1 teaspoon kosher salt for us). While the meat is browning, sauté 1 diced onion in 1 tablespoon of oil (use a Dutch oven or a soup pot, one that holds at least 4 quarts). After 5 minutes of sautéing, add 1 or 2 garlic cloves (minced or thinly sliced) to the onion. When the meat is browned, add it to the cooking pot with the onions. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons commercial chili powder (to taste; we vote for 2). Add 2 teaspoons each of ground cumin, coriander, and oregano. Add one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes. If you’d like to add beans to the mix (we do), drain 1 can of kidney beans, rinse them off, then add them to the cooking pot. Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes (it’ll taste better if you double that amount of cooking time, but you may not want to for chili mac). After the chili has been cooking for a few minutes, you can proceed with the chili mac recipe above, starting with Step 3. (BTW, this chili recipe will make more than 4 cups, so you might want to increase the size of your baking dish to 3 quarts.)
  • We like to use sharp cheddar cheese for this chili mac, but mild or medium works well too.
  • Or you could substitute another cheese, if you like. Use whatever you think will go well with chili (we’d suggest Monterey Jack). 
  • We like to use regular elbow pasta (i.e., macaroni) in this dish. But any small-shape pasta works. Shells might be a fun variation. Or corkscrews.
  • You can easily double the size of this chili mac recipe if you’re serving a crowd. In that case, you’ll want to use a larger baking dish. A 9x13-inch Pyrex dish would be perfect.
  • Beef chili tastes great in this dish, but almost any chili will work. We haven’t tried pork chili, but the idea sounds good to us. 
  • We use jalapeño peppers as a garnish in this recipe, but you could mix them into the chili, too. Or substitute a milder pepper if you don’t want too much heat.
Real-Chili Chili Mac Casserole

Chili Rules

“Wow, delish,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “It’s been years since we had chili mac.”

“Yup,” I said. “But I thought of it when I saw how much leftover chili we had in the freezer. And remembered how much we both like cheesy gratins.”

“Also known as casseroles,” said Mrs K R. “Staples of our childhood.”

“True,” I said. “Everybody’s mom was casserole-crazed back then. I think it was a law or something.”

“Speaking of which, I’m laying down the law,” said Mrs K R. “We need to have this again. Soon.”

Indeed. I can’t appeal that ruling.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Slow Cooker Homestyle Chili
Chili Basics
Texas-Style Chili con Carne
BBQ Beef Brisket Chili
Pulled Pork Green Chile Chili
Old-School Macaroni & Cheese
Green Chile Cauliflower 'n Cheese
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Or check out the index for more recipes

86 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Oh how I wish I could cook and eat high-calorie things like that with a clear conscience!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, we shouldn't. But (obviously) we do! Occasionally -- that's the key. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

I always love to make extra chilli because we love LEFTOVER!! This is another great way to use them. It looks really comforting and moreish!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, leftover chili is a treasure, isn't it? We usually just heat it and serve as-is, but it's also fun to use it as an ingredient in another dish. Thanks for the comment.

Sue/the view from great island said...

This is definitely mac and cheese kicked up several notches!

Sippity Sup said...

I feel like I want to serve this on top a bunch of fries. Chili cheese pasta fries! Is that just too much? GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, yup! And really good notches. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, this is already a guilty pleasure type of dish. That'd take this into uncharted territory. :-) Delish, territory, though! Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

This is serious comfort food! I love that it is pretty easy to make too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, this definitely is serious comfort food! Not something we have very often (maybe once a decade!) but always fun when we do. Thanks for the comment.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, We love leftovers, especially chili. What a great way to repurpose. When we are in Oregon we volunteer on the hiking trails, sometimes after we all get together we have the best pot-lucks, casseroles rule.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, we always make big batches of chili simply because we love having a supply of it in the freezer. And casseroles are wonderful for pot-lucks, aren't they? Love those Oregon trails -- so pretty. Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I love chili Mac! First time I ever had it was at Steak n Shake as a kid. Yours looks great!

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

Oh my! On this rainy cold day this casserole would be perfect! All I need is leftover chili, which always tastes better after the flavor have had time to mingle.

Mary Frances said...

I am always a sucker for the cheddar cheese, nice call :)

Tricia Buice said...

I'm smitten with this beautiful dish of pure comfort food! I can't believe I've never made Chili Mac and Cheese - so thank you so much for the recipe!

Amira said...

A real comfort meal for my family. We do not do chili a lot in my home, shame on me I know but this is about to change :). Loved your recipe.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, chili mac is real kiddie food, isn't it? And we're big kids! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, leftover chili really is a bit better, isn't it? That's why we always make big batches of the stuff! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mary, cheddar cheese has such a wonderful flavor! We love it! And chili, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, this is a fun dish -- you'll love making it! Too hefty to make too often, but fun for an occasional treat. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, the best thing about chili is you can make it anywhere from very mild to very hot, and it'll still have good flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

The Hubs has an aversion to casseroles from his own childhood memories. I think he might enjoy this one though. Delish!

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

Wow, chilli mac, I have never heard of this, John, but gee it sounds fab. My Peter will love it. Many thanks!

Merryn said...

Stunning and practical yet so pretty. Funny about your casserole from our mothers comment. I still remember my father saying to my mother when I was 10 "I don't want another casserole as long as I live." You do both like your jalapenos John. This makes the mac and cheese (with milk, parmesan and cheddar) I cooked 2 nights ago seem very boring ... Your chili mac dish is very pleasing and still something we could prepare over our hot summer nights. An excellent recipe John, you have surpassed yourself and inspired me. Many thanks and keep warm :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, call a casserole a gratin and you can get away with anything. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, I think this is probably a US thing. A fun dish -- you'll have a good time with this! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, there were TONS of casseroles in my childhood. And many of them not that good, alas. But the good ones were really good! And yes, I am a bit jalapeno-obsessed, I guess. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

It's like worlds are COLLIDING over here!!! YUMMMMMMY!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, we're all for yummy collisions. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

There can never be to much chili in our house. In fact, I think my husband's mother made something very similar to this. What a classic. It will never go out of style. Perfect for game day!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, yup, never too much chili for us, either. We're chili fanatics! And this is such a fun dish, isn't it? Not to mention tasty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

you know it's past 7pm and I have not had dinner yet and I have nothing at home to make this now, darn you ;-) This looks really good and I should get it on the table this week. Great fusion dish!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, you'll have to get to the grocery store so you can make this! It's a fun dish -- and really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

This is a great substitute for the 'boring old' Mac and Cheese dish. I must now try your recipe for 'Green Chile Cauliflower and Cheese'- sounds exotic!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, yup, this is mac 'n cheese that's really kicked up! That Green Chile Cauliflower and Cheese dish is excellent -- you'll like. Thanks for the comment.

Karen Harris said...

My family loves chili mac! One of our regulars around here. Love your version.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, isn't chili mac good? We need to start having it more than once a decade. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

I just realized that I've never made chili-mac casserole before. I guess it's time I do! It looks tasty.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, this is a fun dish -- definitely worth trying. Loads of flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I love cheesy casseroles in the winter! And yes, perfect game day food here!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

We always seem to have leftover chili. I'm still cooking for 5 even though 2 have left the nest! This chili mac would be perfect for game day!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, casseroles are comfort food, so they're also winter food! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, we tend to make way too much too. But that's OK when it comes to chili -- it freezes really well, so it's always nice to have a quick meal in the freezer. Or to make into this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

We never seem to have leftover chilli, but now I am thinking I should hide some before serving so i can have leftover for this dish! Great dish for any day one needs comfort food.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, we make big batches of chili, so we do have leftovers. Good idea to hide some of the chili so you can make this dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

Holy moly! My mouth is watering thinking about such a smart combination of 2 American classic dishes: Mac and cheese and chili.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, it's a fun dish! Really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

You are so right! Chili, cheese and pasta! YUM!! Love these hearty meal in one dishes! This one is perfect for the storm moving in tomorrow.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, great combo of flavors, isn't it? Stormy weather demands comfort food, and this would certainly fit. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Robyn said...

I love a great casserole, John, for so many reasons. It's comfort food, it's easy to make and leftovers are the best! This is definitely something that will be made in our house. Believe it or not, chili mac is not a thing up here in Canada - at least not as far as I know but I'm going to make it with some turkey chili I have in the freezer. I hope that's allowed, lol. Always enjoy your posts!

Frank said...

I love dishes like these that "recycle" leftovers. Not only do they appeal to my frugal side, they're often even more delicious than the original.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Robyn, I'll bet turkey chili would be terrific in this! Any kind of meaty chili works. Enjoy! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, recycled leftovers can be so good, can't they? And they are wonderful in this dish! Thanks for the comment.

All That I'm Eating said...

I could DEFINITELY eat this for my dinner tonight; it sounds so good.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this is a great dish! You'd enjoy it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Yi said...

This is mac on steroids! If I get to make your cabbage chili I'll make sure to save some for this casserole!

Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen said...

No wonder Mrs. Kitchen Riffs loved this. Who wouldn't have loved this awesome looking and so full of delish flavors chili chili mac casserole. Have a nice weekend. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Yi, the cabbage chili might be fun in this dish! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anu, the flavor of this really is amazing. Worth trying. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

Loving this robust dish! It looks amazing.

Judy said...

Growing up that is exactly what my mom did with leftover chili because it helped feed more with less. It's less of a make-things-stretch meal and more of a feels-like-home meal now. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

HiTaruna, robust is exactly the word to describe this dish! Well, and good, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, this is definitely a "stretch" dish. A good one, though. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Hotly Spiced said...

I've never had chilli mac! And this is the first time I've seen it! It looks very good and a great way to use up leftover chilli. I know my little guy would love this. This would be very comforting on a cold winter's night xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, it's a fun dish, isn't it? And I"ll bet your little guy really would enjoy this -- SO much flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Beth said...

This looks SO good. And if casserole-crazed is a thing, I'm in all the way!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, we're in, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I hate to admit this, but as a kid one of my favorite dinners was Hamburger Helper Chili mac 'n' cheese, and I'd make it with my best friend when our parents were out at a grown-up gathering. This reminds me of that childhood favorite -- only made with way better ingredients. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, I've never actually used Hamburger Helper! Should probably try it sometime just to see what it's all about. Or not. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mymansbelly said...

This looks like the perfect dish for a Superbowl party or potluck. I'm sure it would disappear in a flash.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, the batch we made sure disappeared in a hurry! It was very tasty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Katerina said...

I agree with you gratins are perfect for all family and for these winter weekend gathering! I love your twist on the classic!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katerina, gratins are so good, aren't they? Such a nice, homey dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

lisa is cooking said...

This definitely wins the meal! It's exactly right for chilly weather comfort food.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, always good to win the meal, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

This is full-on comfort food deliciousness!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it is! And who can't use comfort food? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

I love the idea of transforming leftover chili into this comfort dish...cheese and all gooey...perfect comfort food.
Thanks for the idea John...have a great week ahead :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, such a nice dish, isn't it? Wonderful comfort food! Thanks for the comment.

Jeff said...

i've nevr heard of chili mac! I would have no problem eating uplefover chili as-is, but this is a great way to mix it up and stretch it out.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, you'll love this dish! Agree that leftover chili is good all by itself, but this is a fun dish to try from time to time. Thanks for the comment.

Ola said...

it looks so good, this is Comfort Food wit capital letters:)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ola, yup, it doesn't get any more comforting than this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

Mmmmm seriously, this is the perfect excuse to make chilli (which is really long overdue here). This looks like the perfect comfort food and the best for these last cold days of winter!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, this is such a fun dish! We love leftover chili just the way it already is, but sometimes it's fun to play with. :-) Thanks for the comment.