Chili Mac with Cornbread Crust

Chili Mac with cornbread crust is a quick and instant chili mac upgrade. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, delicious, and freezes beautifully too!

Chili Mac is a dish that my mom made many times while we were growing up. It's one that I always enjoyed, and always looked forward to.

That said, I felt like upping the ante on the plain old chili mac and topped it with a deliciously golden cornbread topping.

Be still my chili mac loving heart!!

Jump to:

• The ingredient list:
• Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
• Why this recipe works:
• Can this chili mac casserole be made in advance?
• How long can it remain in the refrigerator before baking?
• Can the topping be made in advance too?
• An important tip before baking:
• Can this casserole be frozen after baking?
• How to thaw and reheat after freezing:
• Want more budget-friendly and delicious casseroles?
• Printable Recipe Card

The ingredient list:

• ground beef
• onion
• 1 jar (12 ounces), fire-roasted red peppers
• 1 can, fire-roasted chiles
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can sweet corn
• ground cumin
• chili powder
• salt and pepper
• dried pasta (I used cavatappi)
• beef stock
• shredded cheese
• 2 packages, cornbread mix (made according to package directions)
• scallions, optional

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• large stockpot or Dutch oven
• 13 x 9 baking dish
• large mixing bowl
• cooking spray
• cheese grater (optional)
• measuring cups and spoons
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• wooden spoons
• slotted spatula or spoon
• can opener

Why this recipe works:

There is something about the flavor of smoky ground beef when combined with cooked macaroni and a little crunch from corn that was always very pleasing to me and felt like home.

What's not to love? Smoky flavors, pasta, cheese, cornbread topping, and a few veggies. A complete meal that can be served either on a plate or in a bowl.

Can this chili mac casserole be made in advance?

YES! And you'll find that you'll enjoy making it in advance and leaving it in the refrigerator until it's time to bake.

While it's not difficult to put together, it does take approximately 20 of prep time before it's ready for the oven.

How long can it remain in the refrigerator before baking?

I wouldn't let it go longer than 4 hours in the refrigerator. Any longer than that and you risk the pasta getting soggy.

Can the topping be made in advance too?

I would suggest adding the cornbread topping to the casserole right before baking, and not adding that in advance.

Since the making of the cornbread topping only takes moments, make that while you're preheating the oven.

An important tip before baking:

IF you're cooking this chili mac casserole after making it in advance and it's been refrigerated, allow it to sit on the counter at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking.

This way the filling will be nice and hot, at the same rate, the cornbread topping is cooked through and golden.

Can this casserole be frozen after baking?

YES!

You can either freeze it entirely or portion it out into separate servings.

If you're freezing it entirely, make sure your casserole dish is freezer safe.

If freezing in portions, store in air-tight freezer containers.

Always allow a casserole to cool completely before covering and freezing.

Chili Mac with Cornbread Crust can remain in the freezer for up to 4 months.

How to thaw and reheat after freezing:

Allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat, cover with foil and place in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until hot in the center.

Want more budget-friendly and delicious casseroles?

*Spaghetti Western Chili Casserole (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

This easy dinner recipe is quick to make (30 minutes or less) and can be made in advance, which is always a plus during the busy week.

*Chicken Cordon Blue Pasta Casserole from Snappy Gourmet

*Traditional Egg Noodle Casserole (Ukrainian Style) from Homemade and Yummy

*Tuna Noodle Casserole from Become a Coupon Queen

*Chow Mein Casserole (aka Minnesota Hot Dish) from Food Meanderings

*Chili Mac with Cornbread Crust Casserole (pictured below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

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Printable Recipe Card

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's budget-friendly, pantry staple casserole dish as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

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