Chili Pasta Bake
Two comfort food favorites—pasta and chili—come together in an epic bake.
Two comfort food favorites—pasta and chili—come together in an epic bake.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 dash salt
- 1 dash black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 whole onion chopped
- 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 pounds pasta (i used small shells)
- 15 ounces, fluid tomato sauce
- 14- 1/2 ounces, weight canned diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 15 ounces, weight canned kidney or black beans rinsed
- 1- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 dashes cayenne powder
- 1/2 cups sour cream for topping
- 4 tablespoons green onions chopped
- Carbohydrate 12.394650003106 g
- Cholesterol 619.280311628435 mg
- Fat 173.36936050299 g
- Fiber 1.99949999403954 g
- Protein 153.750906585144 g
- Saturated Fat 89.3292390542223 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1111g)
- Sodium 1983.7554642319 mg
- Sugar 10.3951500090665 g
- Trans Fat 14.9659998092805 g
- Calories 2241 calories
Step-by-step
- Start by preheating the oven to 350 F.
- Drizzle the oil into a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is no longer pink.
- While the ground beef is cooking, cook your pasta according to package instructions for firm al dente. Once cooked, drain off the water and set pasta aside for now.
- After the ground beef is cooked, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne and water. Give it a stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, stir in the cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
- Pour the chili pasta mixture into a 9x13 pan. Flatten it out with a spatula and sprinkle with cheese. Place in the oven for 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese has fully melted.
- Spoon into serving dishes and top with sour cream and green onions.
- Enjoy!
My Weeknight Chili Pasta Bake: A Busy Mom's Dream
Let's be honest, folks. Being a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping everyone fed (and relatively happy!), finding time for elaborate, gourmet meals often feels like a fantasy. That's why I've become a master of the quick, delicious, and family-approved weeknight dinner. This Chili Pasta Bake is a prime example – a comforting, flavourful meal that comes together surprisingly quickly, leaving me with more time for, well, everything else.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a perfect blend of two childhood favourites: pasta and chili. I remember my own mom making a version of this when I was a kid, and the warm, cheesy aroma still evokes feelings of cozy nights and happy family gatherings. This recipe takes those happy memories and gives them a modern twist, making it even easier to prepare. No fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here; just straightforward cooking that even a beginner can manage.
The best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your family's preferences. Not a fan of kidney beans? Substitute black beans or pinto beans. Prefer a spicier chili? Add a few extra dashes of cayenne. Want to add some extra veggies? Throw in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
Making it Your Own: Variations on a Theme
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is its adaptability. The base recipe is fantastic, but don't be afraid to experiment. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or a few finely chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all be delicious.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an added boost of nutrients.
- Make it a casserole: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked ground beef to increase the protein and make it a filling family meal. Top with some extra cheese for a wonderful cheesy finish.
Beyond the Recipe: Weeknight Dinner Strategies
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a strategy. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked food doesn't have to take hours to prepare. Here are a few tips I've learned over the years for navigating the chaos of weeknight dinners:
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out spices on the weekend to save time during the week.
- Embrace leftovers: This bake is perfect for leftovers – simply reheat a portion for lunch the next day.
- Get the kids involved: Older children can help with simple tasks like stirring or setting the table.
- Don't be afraid to simplify: If you're short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables or a jar of pre-made chili sauce. It's perfectly okay to take shortcuts!
This chili pasta bake is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, delicious, and completely customizable. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your family's repertoire – a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you need a little extra love (and a little less stress).
So, the next time you're staring into your fridge, wondering what to make for dinner, remember this simple yet satisfying recipe. You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together and how much your family will love it. Happy cooking!
