A Hearty Ground Beef and Macaroni Bake with Corn Chip Topping
This casserole combines the familiarity of pasta with the deep, savory heat of chili powder and enchilada sauce. It is a dish meant for the center of the table, offering a hearty finish to a day of labor. The crunch of corn chips adds a final texture to the melting cheese and tender beef, creating a meal that feels both grounded and complete.
Yields: 4 to 6 servings | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Temperature: 350°F
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup corn chips, crushed
Instructions
- Boil: Prepare the macaroni according to the package directions, omitting the salt. Drain the water thoroughly and set the pasta aside.
- Brown: Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to crumble the meat until it is browned and the onions are tender. Drain the excess fat well.
- Assemble: Stir the cooked macaroni, undrained chili beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Spoon the combined mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Top with crushed corn chips before serving.
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Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole
A comforting casserole combining ground beef, macaroni, and chili beans in a savory enchilada sauce. Topped with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
Boil:
-
Prepare the macaroni according to the package directions, omitting the salt.
-
Drain the water thoroughly and set the pasta aside.
Brown:
-
Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Stir frequently to crumble the meat until it is browned and the onions are tender.
-
Drain the excess fat well.
Assemble:
-
Stir the cooked macaroni, undrained chili beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture.
-
Spoon the combined mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
Bake:
-
Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 25 minutes.
Finish:
-
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
-
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
-
Top with crushed corn chips before serving.