As the weather gets colder, I always find myself craving the warm and hearty meals from my childhood. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that is near and dear to my heart – the Chili Beef Casserole. This is a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The Chili Beef Casserole is not just a meal, it’s a bundle of memories, a reminder of cozy family dinners, and a symbol of love and togetherness. The combination of the spicy chili beef soup, tangy tomato soup, and the rich, extra lean ground beef provides a hearty base. The macaroni gives it substance and the cheese, oh the cheese, gives it that extra layer of yumminess that we all love. What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a hearty meal, perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great hit with the kids too!
Ingredients
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 can chili beef soup
- 3/4 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 1 c. macaroni
- 3 slices sharp processed American cheese
Cooking Method
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until done (10 to 12 minutes). Drain thoroughly.
- Brown ground beef in skillet.
- Add the soups and the macaroni.
- Heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is bubbly. Slice cheese slices in half diagonally and put on top of hot mixture. Cover for a few minutes to allow cheese to melt slightly.
- Serve at once. Serves 6.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chili Beef Casserole Caper
Once upon a lazy Sunday, I found myself standing in front of the fridge, urging the culinary gods to bless me with inspiration. My eyes landed on a can of tomato soup, a can of chili beef soup, a hunk of extra lean ground beef, a bag of macaroni, and some slices of American cheese. The wheels in my head started turning and, like a bolt of lightning, an idea hit me – Chili Beef Casserole!
The Ingredients Gathering
Armed with a can opener, a pot and a skillet, I embarked on my quest. I gathered the ingredients: a can of tomato soup, a can of chili beef soup, 3/4 lb. extra lean ground beef, 1 cup of macaroni, and 3 slices of sharp processed American cheese. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Sharp processed American cheese? Really?” But don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!
The Macaroni Tussle
First things first, it was time to do battle with the macaroni. I filled a pot with water, added a generous sprinkle of salt, and brought it to a rolling boil. In went the macaroni, and for the next 10 to 12 minutes, it was a high stakes game of pasta roulette. Too soft and it would turn to mush, too hard and it would be like eating tiny, edible pebbles. Finally, I deemed them cooked to perfection and drained them thoroughly. One down, three to go!
The Ground Beef Showdown
Next, it was time for the extra lean ground beef to meet its fate in the skillet. As it sizzled and browned, I couldn’t help but do a little victory dance. The aroma of cooking beef filled the kitchen, and I took a second to bask in the glory.
The Soup Soiree
Then came the moment of truth – the soups. I added the tomato soup and the chili beef soup to the skillet, and in went the macaroni. As the mixture bubbled and sizzled away, I stirred occasionally, watching as the ingredients melded together into a beautiful, hearty concoction.
The Cheesy Finale
Now, for the pièce de résistance – the cheese. I sliced the American cheese diagonally and laid them atop the hot mixture like a cheesy blanket. Covering the skillet, I waited for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt slightly, creating the perfect gooey topping.
The Culinary Triumph
And there it was, the fruits of my labor – a bubbling skillet full of Chili Beef Casserole. I served it up immediately, basking in the glory of my culinary triumph. Each bite was a symphony of flavors – the tanginess of the tomato soup, the hearty chili beef soup, the juicy ground beef, the al dente macaroni, and the melted American cheese.
So, the next time you’re staring into the abyss of your fridge, remember the tale of the Chili Beef Casserole. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next culinary masterpiece!
