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Creamy Cheesy Chili Mac Bake

Creamy Cheesy Chili Mac Bake

A comforting, family-friendly casserole combining hearty chili, tender macaroni, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked until bubbly and golden.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14–15 oz)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 12 oz macaroni, cooked
  • 1 cup milk

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan over low heat, melt cream cheese with milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack until fully melted and creamy.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni, chili mixture, and cheese sauce in a greased baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or beans. Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.