Your chance to win a year of FREE groceries from Family Dollar starts today!! I hinted it was coming, so I’m excited that the Family Dollar More For Less Recipe Challenge is live!
Ten talented bloggers each created an original recipe on a $15 budget with ingredients from Family Dollar, and one lucky blogger will win a trip to Nashville to meet and cook with Celebrity Chef Pat Neely.
I created a Cheesy Chili Mac recipe! It’s a hearty, satisfying casserole with lots of flavor, and it feeds 8-10 people easily.
Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
15 oz can chili beans
15 oz can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
10 oz can Ro*tel diced tomatoes with chiles
15 oz can tomato sauce
15 oz can sweet golden corn, drained
1 tbsp minced onion
16 oz elbow macaroni
1 packet chili seasoning mix
4 oz pouch Velveeta cheese sauce mix
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, dividedDirections:
1. Brown ground beef in stockpot; drain off extra grease.
2. Add chili beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn and minced onion. Mix together and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer 1 – ½ hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
5. Lightly spray 13”x 9”x 2” casserole dish with cooking spray. Add pasta, chili mix, Velveeta sauce and 1 cup shredded cheese; mix together.
6. Cover and bake 20 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over top and bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.Makes 8-10 servings
As happy as I am with how my dish turned out, I know that there are nine other recipes also competing.
Which blogger’s recipe will win???
Vote by sharing one of the #FamilyDollarMore4Less blogger recipes via Facebook or Twitter. Not only are you entering to win a year of FREE groceries, but you’re helping to decide the winner!
Shopping at Family Dollar helps stretch a budget even further because of the everyday low prices, and with the recently expanded grocery section, it’s even easier to find everything you need to create a delicious meal.
So, I hope you’ll vote and enter to win a year of FREE groceries from Family Dollar. It would be awesome if you vote for my Chili Mac, but I’ll love you regardless. 🙂 You guys are the bestest!
Tammy says
Well of course I voted for you 🙂 It sounds like a great dish to bring to a potluck gathering, and I’m going to make it for the next one we go to!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
That looks so good. I pinned it and voted for you!
Le-an Lacaba says
I hope you would win! It’s my fave treat, and my mom has a great recipe herself!
Brandy says
What a great dinner idea for sure! I know my family would love me for making this idea. Way to use low cost ingredients chicka!
Lexie Lane says
Easy and cheesy enough (I love lots of cheese!) I hope you win! I really had no idea that a dollar store could have so many options!
Christina S says
I actually have all of this on hand pretty much all the time. I love recipes that I can just grab ingredients from the pantry and throw it together!
Rachee says
I didn’t even know that Family Dollar carried food things. I think I have been sleeping on this store and need to check it out.
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
This looks absolutely delicious! I must pin this and add to the COOK SOON list! Thanks so much!
Desiree M. says
I didn’t realize Family Dollar carried those ingredients. I may have to check that store out. I hope you win!
Katie says
Yum! that looks awesome! I am so excited to follow this challenge!
Rosie says
Thank you for this recipe! My little boy has just discovered macaroni & cheese, and he’s always asking for it! It will be nice to follow a real recipe for a change!!
Dawn says
My daughter has always love macaroni and cheese, too. This would be a nice way to jazz it up a bit.
Ashley M says
That looks really good, we love chilli seasoning and taste. I’m entering now!
Toni says
Family Dollar is such a great place to shop. That casserole looks and sounds so good. I think everyone in my family would love it.
Trice says
Looks yummy… so much better that hamburger helper. Bet it taste better too.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I love Family Dollar! Great casserole recipe, I’m going to go vote for you now!
[email protected] TheHouseholdHero.com says
This sounds so good. I have not made a casserole like this but I love one dish meals!
Amanda says
Oh I am so glad you posted this recipe! This will be a perfect weeknight dinner this week!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
YUM! That looks good! I didn’t know that Family Dollar sold these ingredients.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I love that this is so easy and affordable! I’m not a fan of chili seasoning ( I think I may be the only one!) but my husband loves it. I”m traveling soon, so I may just set him up with this for dinner!
Janeane Davis says
This sounds like a wonderful recipe. I would like to make for my kids one weekend day.
Krystal says
Awesome recipe and photo. I love how you styled the shot. I’m going to check out your competition (but, of course, vote for you!). Good luck!
Lisa Jones says
This Looks Really Good I’ll Have To Make For The Family I Bet They Will Love It!!
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Now, that’s one yummy food – we all would love to try!
Dawn says
I would love to eat some of that right now. Yum! I love any kind of one meal dish – especially with cheese.
Katy Rawson says
I have never made chili mac, butthis looks so good. Pinning it for later and good luck in the challenge!
Aly Mashrah says
That looks amazing! Good luck! I’d be so excited if I got to cook with Pat Neely!
Nicole Brady says
Oooh. I’ve been waiting for you to share your recipe! Sounds delicious. Can’t believe you can feed so many on such a small budget!
kristin says
Wow this looks like a great dinner idea! Totally saving this for later.
Annie Mai says
I love cheap meals that taste yummy! Thanks for sharing 😀
Aimee Smith says
This looks so tasty! I love a yummy casserole, totally comfort food for me!
lawna says
I love making casseroles because they feed so many people and we are a family of six. This looks like something my entire family would enjoy, including all of our kiddos.
Estelle says
What a great challenge to be a part of. I really love your recipe–the combination of chili, pasta and cheese is mouth-watering. Best of luck.
Estelle
Heather @ It's a Lovely Life! says
I’m totally rooting for you to win! This looks awesome and I know my husband would love it!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
It looks yummy! Good luck on the contest!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Oh, you did great! I voted for ya 🙂 Good luck to you!!!
Marni | Love and Duck Fat says
Your recipe looks great! Good luck in winning the contest!
Kristen @ kristenione says
You have my vote! I think your recipe is the best one! I love that it feeds lots of people and it’s hearty and filling. I want to try this one!
Christy @ A Woman The World Deserves says
I love new recipes and this one looks like a definitely keeper!
Marina says
All the best Liz! Never tried a chili mac. Looks good and filling!
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
This sounds yummy Liz! good luck in the challenge!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
This sounds tasty! I like that I can feed the whole family with it.
Shauna says
Oooh, i know my family would love this
Debbie Denny says
Love the Chili Cheesy mac recipe. Looks real tasty.
melissa Au says
That looks delicious! My kids would love it.
Pam says
This looks tasty! My family likes chili mac but I have never made it as a casserole.
Pam says
Chili Mac is a favorite of my husband. He is always asking for it so I need to surprise him with your recipe!
Candy @ Candypolooza says
Good Luck LISA! Pinned and shared 🙂 Will be trying this recipe!
Nicole B says
I love the addition of corn and beans to make this a really hearty casserole! YUM!
Amber Edwards says
I have been waiting for this recipe! Oh my goodness; it looks fantastic! And mouthwatering!
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
YUMMM.. I love this recipe..Love Mac N Cheese.. and chili mac is a family favorite.. thanks for sharing and good luck …:-)
Janel C. says
Liz – Congrats on being only one of 15 contestants in the contest! Your recipe looks SO yummy and I loved that you used a can of Rotel in it! Good luck…I voted for you 🙂
Amber Nelson says
That looks easy to make and I bet my kids would love that.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
That looks absolutely delicious! I’d eat that in a heartbeat! Good luck!
Jessica Lieb (@bkeepsushonest) says
wow that looks great. I love chili mac but have never made it, I will have to try.
Sarah Bailey says
What a neat idea – be so interesting to see what people come up with – I’m not so good at budgeting. x
becca says
Yum I would so love groceries for a year and I do alot of shopping at Family Dollar we love that store.
Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says
That looks delicious!! I entered the contest and pinned and liked your recipe!!! Good luck!!!
Trisha says
I honestly think that this is a recipe my husband would be quite fond of and I love that all of the ingredients are from Family dollar! I can’t wait to try this one out.
Jaydee Dusenberry says
I really wish I had a Family Dollar in my area
Sandra says
Great job! Good luck, will head on over to vote.
Debbie L. says
Looks tasty! Great challenge! I would love to win groceries for a year!
[email protected] says
What a great recipe!! Thank you for sharing it. I hope you win!!
Melissa says
This just looks so good and I had no idea you could pick up all of this from Family Dollar! This is going on my menu plan!
Debbie L. says
Chili and Mac & Cheese – my hubby’s dream come true! 🙂 Looks delicious!
Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor) says
This recipe would be a hit in my house – for sure!!! I am going to head over to see if I am able to vote twice! I didn’t see yours earlier today. Heading over now. Good Luck!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
oh that sounds like a yummy recipe, my family would enjoy this!
Nikki says
My husband would probably love this. He likes the cheesy mac in the can so I am pretty sure he’d love this homemade version!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Great recipe! This looks super simple to make and I’m glad it doesn’t cost a fortune to make!
Krystyn says
That sure looks delicious. My kids love chili and noodles, so I know this would be a hit.
KatyRose says
This looks so good. I’m on a no grain, no dairy diet right now, but I can’t wait to be off of that and go back to eating things like this. – Katy
Shop with Me Mama says
Oh your casserole sounds soooooo delicious!! I want to make this for my family!
Jenny says
Looks very cheesy, might be something I could get down with, although my husband is not particularly fond of “hamburger helper-esque” type meals.
Brandy says
This looks like it would be a hit with my family. Adding it to next weeks menu plan now. Thanks!
Amber K says
I love Family Dollar. Thankfully I live right next to one so I should be spending more time shopping and eating now that I found this!
Dawn Lopez says
Sweet, I live right down the road from one too. Totally loving that they offer food! Who knew?
Heather says
Free groceries for a year?! I can’t imagine!! Voting for you! Good Luck!
Susanna Barbee (Zealous Mom) says
What a cool campaign! Meals that cost less than $15 are my kind of thing, for sure. Good luck!
Amanda says
Awesome! This sounds yummy and I’m headed over to vote right now!
Angela P says
That actually sounds pretty yummy. I’d just swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken because I don’t eat red meat. I might actually try that.
Jennifer B says
Wow this sounds yummy and I know it would be a big hit with my kids too!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Just voted for you my friend. Good luck.
Tess says
I love when I can save on money from the Family Dollar Store. I love to be able to cook for less too!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
That looks delicious! I’ll go check out the others and cast my vote!
Dina says
your chili mac looks so great. I’m off to vote for you!
Angela says
Your Cheesy Chili Mac recipe looks delicious! I will have to try it.
kelsey apley says
Yummy your Chili Mac looks so good! I am gonna go check out all the other recipes! Rooting for you to win, that would be so awesome!! Good Luck!
Chrysa says
Oh, yum. My husband would love this one. Maybe I’ll have to be nice and make it for him later this week.
Angela S says
Your recipe is totally something my family would enjoy. I am so excited about this challenge. Good luck my friend!
Shell says
What an easy meal! Good luck- I’ll be voting for you!
Elizabeth Towns says
Wow – all of those ingredients are at Family Dollar? I am slipping on some great bargains. I am going to have to get over to my area Family Dollar this week.
Erica says
This looks like a tasty, hearty meal! You were very creative here! Good luck in the contest!
Karen says
Well this looks like a really delicious dish! Love chili and love mac and cheese! Good luck with the competition!!
Jennifer Williams says
I made something similar the other night – same thing different ingredients. Great way to have Chili one night and then turn it into a different dish for the left overs. I am going to have to see if we have a Family Dollar where I live now, I am still learning the stores but miss the deals I could get there.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
Good luck! I had no idea Family Dollar carried groceries.
Jessica Beal Harlow says
This recipe sounds hearty and easy! Right up my alley! We have a Family Dollar nearby and I really need to make the time to go and shop there. They just had a Grand Re-Opening and have really updated the inside of the store.
Kecia says
My husband would love to try this! He is all about chili and cheese. I’m happy to see it can be made with less than $15!
Marcie W. says
Your recipe creation sounds delicious! I’m sure it would be a crowdpleaser and even offer our family of five up some left overs. Off to vote!
Debi says
I love using Family dollar to make my dinners less expensive. Thanks for sharing another recipe idea.
Michele Brosius says
I love that you can make hearty meals for less! Family Dollar is one of my favorite stores to shop, especially for food!
Ashley B. says
This recipe looks great, and very very hearty! I live with a bunch of picky eaters but I know they would definitely eat this.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Looks great, though I’d take out the corn. I’m anti corn in casserole type dishes – funny right?! lol
Ellen Christian says
That looks seriously amazing. My kids are huge fans of past dishes.
Louida says
I love eating chili mac! Your recipe looks really good! I sometimes shop at my local Family Dollar store. They have some good prices there and you can really save some money.
Yona says
Oh cool…that looks exciting to have your recipe featured on Family Dollar website. Good luck – the image looks very tasty.
Jessica says
Velveeta makes ANYTHING taste incredible! This looks like an exciting way to liven’ up the typical Mac & Cheese recipe. Your recipe looks and sounds delicious.
Dawn Lopez says
Ooh yummy, this looks absolutely amazing! Is there nothing you can’t do? My family would LOVE this recipe, thanks for making me look awesome 😉
Linette says
This sounds absolutely delicious! My husband would love this recipe he’s a Velveeta fan!
Jennifer Q says
I just made a chili mac and cheese casserole for the first time a few weeks ago. Your recipe sounds utterly delicious, I am going to have to give it a try!
Jennifer Soltys says
Oooh, that sounds very delicious. Velveeta just makes it!!! I could go for this and it’s only 6:37am. LOL
brett says
Looks really good. but then who doesn’t love pasta dishes that feed a lot?!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Well I’m not sure that can feed 8-10 people, because if everyone thinks it looks as good as I do we’ll all be hogging it to ourselves!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
This looks like an amazingly easy and budget-friendly recipe. I’m sure your chances of winning are pretty good!
Theresa Jenkins says
I pinned this to my recipe board so I can find it to try sometime this week … always looking for something easy and different
Ty says
That looks delicious, Liz! I’m definitely going to make this one!
HilLesha says
Yum, yum – can never go wrong with this recipe!
sandra davis says
that looks delicious. my family would love it. good luck on the contest.
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
That’s one fun contest to be apart of! And the chance to win that awesome trip-all I have to say is good luck 🙂
jeanae says
What a fun recipe & contest! My TN friends are huge Neely’s fans. Good luck!
Tammy says
If it has Velveeta in it, it has to be good! Sounds like a great dish to whip up to feed those hungry guys on a game day 🙂
Kathleen B says
Love your recipe, it is the only dinner recipe on the list that I think would work for our family. I love that it makes a lot, because the boys have been eating me out of house and home lately.
Felicia says
This looks delicious. I am always on the look out for recipes that are easy and cost effective. I’m adding this one to the Pinterest book mark!
Christy Anderson says
I would love to win the free groceries for a year!
Sandy Cain says
Looks and sounds SO good! I voted for you, got my fingers crossed! Good luck, it’s a great recipe! (pinned).
kita says
I love this idea. I am so use to doing things on a 15 dollar budget. I will make sure I vote for you
Shell Feis says
That looks delicious! You’ve got my vote. Good luck!
ellen beck says
Looks good and sounds good too. I voted for ya!
Jennifer H says
That looks so good Liz! I’d love to win free groceries for a year!
heather says
Great recipe thanks for sharing this one I haven’t made a cassarole in so long but this one looks delish and one that I think I will try.
Donna says
I love casseroles! I voted for ya. Good luck!
martha says
Liz this is perfect ! I have to make dinner for a family with 5 kids for church this week!! Awesome!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
My husband would CHOW this down.
Anne says
Sound delicious, I love mac & cheese with extra seasoning
aimee fauci says
So you have to share a recipe in order to vote? I got confused.. which is not surprising for me. I will pin this .. it looks so good! Just need to not eat the entire dish.
Raijean says
That looks delicious!
Veronica says
That meal looks amazingly delicious. I can still appreciate a great looking meal even though I am vegan
Candice Montgomery says
Nice budget recipe, it looks delicious. I’m loving checking the link and finding good recipes to make on a budget.
melissa says
That mac and cheese looks amazing!!! These recipes all look great!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
I love learning new recipes that will save me a little money on my grocery budget. The way food prices are now, every little bit of savings helps.
Terry says
I voted!! I love mac and cheese and that looks so delish with the beans and sauce. I know my Grandkids would love this… so would my Hubs.
Daisy says
I LOVE this recipe. Not only does it taste great, but it’s really convenient that it is inexpensive and feeds a large group of people without too much work.
Malia says
This sounds delicious. I’m going to make this for dinner one night!!
Stefani says
I make chili-mac but have been cheating all these years by using just a box of mac n cheese and a can of chili. I am going to try your recipe.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I honestly had no idea they had so much food there. I am going to have to make a trip over there because I bet I would save lots by shopping there. Oh, and the recipe rocks, too, btw 🙂
Ronnie says
Wow Liz, that looks crazy good!! I’ve been in the mood for mac n cheese as of late and this would hit the spot! Of course I’m voting for your recipe. 🙂 Good luck!
Pam Gurganus says
Free groceries for one year!?! How awesome would that be? I know that Family Dollar make buying groceries very affordable, so this giveaway would really go a long way. Thanks for the information and I voted for you! 🙂
noelle d says
that sounds like something the boys would inhale 😉
thanks … and yep, i voted / entered
Colleen says
I voted for you, good luck!
Rose says
I just voted for you. This recipe is perfect for a budget-friendly meal the fam. will love. Good luck!
Dawn Ganey says
I would love free groceries for a year. I live on a fixed income.
brian miller says
yum…sounds good to me…and perfect for a breezy chilly day like today
you get my vote…smiles
Lisa says
Your Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole sounds delicious! Love this challenge and you got my vote!
Cynthia says
Mmmm, this is a great recipe and it feeds so many people!
Patty says
I voted – good luck!!!!
Marysa says
This looks like a yummy recipe, but also easy enough to make! Thanks for sharing, I’ll save this recipe!
Mally says
Wow! I can’t believe how many servings you got out of 15 bucks!
Jacca says
This recipe looks very good! Im looking forward to trying it. Got my fingers crossed for you!
nicole dz says
I love Casserole dishes, so easy and conveinient to make, I would spice this one up a bit, we like spicy in our family.
My Inner Chick says
Cheesy Chili Mac Casserole!
I’m in Heaven)) !! xxxx
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
YUMMM.. this is one of my favorite recipes…. Thanks for sharing, looks delicious..SOOO gonna vote for you and keep my fingers crossed that you will win, too 🙂
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
This looks so delicious, I would love to try this soon. I think that my son might even like it.