Ultimate Baked Cheesy Chili Mac Recipe

Indulge in a comforting culinary delight with this delectable Baked Cheesy Chili Mac recipe. Perfect for satisfying cravings and pleasing crowds, this dish seamlessly combines savory ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy sour cream, all baked to cheesy perfection. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of high-quality ground beef
• 1 lb (16 oz) of penne pasta
• 2 1/2 cups of freshly grated Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 2 cups (16 oz) of rich sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of aromatic chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×12-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
2. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook the penne pasta for approximately 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, usually around 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, and ground cumin. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
5. Add the drained pasta to the pot, followed by the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of the grated cheese. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer the savory mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a tantalizing cheesy crust.
7. Bake the dish in the preheated oven until it becomes bubbly and the cheese is gloriously melted, usually about 20 minutes.
8. Once baked to perfection, allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this irresistible Baked Cheesy Chili Mac. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or showcased at gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite! ❤