Chili Casserole - Mess for Less (2024)

Warm up your weeknights with a hearty Chili Casserole that will become a household favorite. Loaded with ground beef, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and corn, this dish has all your favorite chili flavors. Green chiles, chili powder, and cumin round out the flavor profile. If you love casserole recipes, this is one you need to try!

We are talking layers of flavor, nestled with stretchy, melted cheddar on beds of soft tortillas that hold this comforting casserole together. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule or simply craving a cozy casserole, our baked chili casserole is ready to enjoy in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner for a hungry family.

Chili Casserole Recipe

You'll love the balance of convenience and comfort in this recipe. Combining all the ingredients in a casserole allows for a blend of flavors that deepen as they bake together. This chili casserole's spice level and ingredients can be easily adapted for different palates and dietary preferences. If you like things a little more on the spicy side, you can use hot green chiles instead of mild ones, or add some cayenne pepper.

Perhaps one of the best things about this recipe is that you can use staple pantry items to create a delicious and filling meal in no time at all. Since you can have this chili casserole prepped and baked in less than an hour, it is the perfect choice for those with hectic lifestyles. Moreover, the leftovers reheat well, providing you with additional quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Ingredients for Chili Casserole

• Ground beef- Lean ground beef will have less fat, but for more flavor, go for a higher fat content.
• Tomato sauce - Enhances the flavor of the dish and adds moisture and acidity.
• Corn - Canned or frozen will both work. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it well. There's no need to thaw frozen corn before adding it to the casserole.
• Kidney beans - Canned. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans.
• Green chiles - I used mild green chiles to add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish. If you like more spice, try medium or hot green chiles.
• Chili powder - Adds an aromatic and savory spice to the casserole.
• Cumin - This is key in chili flavoring but should be used moderately so as not to overpower the dish.
• Garlic powder - Provides the casserole with garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
• Tortillas - The tortillas are similar to lasagna noodles in this recipe. They create delicious layers on which to pile the other ingredients.
• Cheddar cheese - Shredded. I used a cheddar and Monterey jack mix for a more complex flavor.

How to Make Baked Chili Casserole

Whip up a yummy meal in a flash with this no-fuss, cheesy layered casserole! Getting started is as easy as browning some ground beef in a large skillet until it's cooked and crumbled. Drain the grease and add in the beans, corn, tomato sauce, green chiles, and seasonings. Cook all those together as they will comprise the filling of this casserole.

Layer some soft tortillas in a casserole pan and scoop on a generous helping of the meaty mix. Don't forget to top with some cheese! Then repeat this process, using the rest of your ingredients.

Bake until the edges are all bubbly and the middle is melty and gooey. Allowing the casserole to rest after taking it out of the oven lets the ingredients settle and the flavors meld. So even if patience is not one of your virtues, give your casserole a moment to rest before serving. Before you know it, it will be time to grab a plate and serve a slice of cheesy, beefy heaven.

How Do I Store Chili Casserole?

To store the leftover chili casserole recipe, you'll want to be sure it has reached room temperature. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and place in the fridge for a maximum of 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze the casserole leftovers, you can place them in a sealed zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Whenever you have a craving for a delicious casserole, simply defrost and reheat! Your future self will thank you when a quick and cozy meal is just a thaw away!

What Can I Serve With This Casserole?

You will want to look for sides that can complement the hearty and spicy nature of the casserole. Bake up some cornbread and serve warm with butter. Some fluffy white rice also works as a filling side. If you want something lighter to serve, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Tips for Making Easy Chili Casserole

Tip 1: If you don't eat red meat, feel free to substitute ground turkey in this recipe. It is a simple switch that is also helpful for the calorie-conscious. Ground turkey is lower in fat which makes it a heart-healthy alternative. You can make this simple switch without really changing the taste of the dish.

Tip 2: Don't have kidney beans on hand? No problem! This recipe also works with black beans. The rich flavor and creamy texture of the black beans will still work perfectly in this dish.

More Ground Beef Recipes

Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens and for good reasons. It is a very versatile ingredient and can take on the bold flavors of any dish. If you enjoyed this recipe for chili casserole and you're looking for more ways to use ground beef, I've got you covered! Below, you'll some of my favorite ground beef recipes. You'll find comfort food classics and maybe recipes that are new to you. Enjoy!

• Beef and Bean Enchilada Dip
• Mexican Sopes Recipe
• Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe
• Ground Beef Noodle Bake from Crystal and Co.

Essential Equipment from Amazon

When it comes to making this versatile casserole, a few essential tools are needed. If you need an upgrade on your kitchen supplies Amazon has a ton of helpful equipment to check out. Whether you are in the market for a bigger casserole dish or a ceramic option that's as presentable as it is practical, there are lots of great choices.

Simply Organic Chili Powder, Certified Organic | 2.89 ozAXEDAES 4 in 1 multi-functional portable electric Vegetable Cutter set, wireless vegetable processor for garlic, peppers, Onions, celery, ginger, meat, with brush，comes with Egg & Cream Beater.Sagoskat Baking Dishes Bakeware Set Ceramic Casserole Dish, Rectangular Shape, Oven safe, Nonstick, for Cooking, Cake Dinner, Kitchen, 13x9inch, 1pcs, BluePyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerCasserole Carrier For Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Carrier,Pie Carrier,Casserole Dish With Lid and Carrying Case,Insulated Food Warmer Bag For Party/Picnic.Keep Food Warm Pioneer Woman Dishes CarrierPie Server Serrated Spatula and Cake Cutter,Stainless Steel Pie Server Angled Icing Spatula, Offset Spatula, Cake Spatula

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