If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the best flavors of chili, cheese, and pasta, you’re in for a treat with this Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful mash-up of savory ground beef seasoned perfectly with chili spices, tender elbow macaroni, and a luscious blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella. This casserole is not only incredibly satisfying but also simple to make, turning everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this casserole right means having the perfect balance of ingredients that each play a key role—be it in flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy top. You’ll find the components are straightforward, yet when combined, they create a dish that feels anything but ordinary.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base that’s essential for classic chili flavor and hearty texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the beef’s flavor.
- 1 packet chili seasoning: The secret spice blend that sets the tone for a bold, zesty taste.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Gives the casserole its saucy, tangy foundation that ties everything together.
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Brings a creamy bite and boosts the dish’s heartiness.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up every ounce of flavor and hold the sauce just right.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and that unmistakable melty cheesiness everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds milky creaminess and allows for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for fine-tuning every bite to your liking.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor for a balanced savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and brown the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 cup water: Adds just enough moisture so the chili simmers to perfection without drying out.
How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows it to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the flavorful chili mixture and pasta base.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chopped onions. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for developing sweetness that balances the chili’s spices.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook it until it’s fully browned, making sure to break it up so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole rich but not greasy.
Step 4: Build the Chili Flavor
Sprinkle in the chili seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Then pour in the tomato sauce, drain and rinse the kidney beans, and add those along with the water. Let this simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully, stirring now and then to keep everything evenly mixed.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
While the chili simmers, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it thoroughly—the pasta should be tender but firm to hold up nicely in the casserole.
Step 6: Combine and Layer
In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture until both are fully combined. Then, generously top this savory foundation with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to create a luscious, melty cover.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a subtle golden brown. This final step is where the casserole develops that irresistible, gooey finish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps everything set slightly so your servings hold together well and the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish from comforting to downright festive. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bright bite. A dollop of sour cream can add cool creaminess that balances the spicy chili notes perfectly. For those who love a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños are ideal toppings.
Side Dishes
Coney Chili Mac Casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans adds freshness and texture contrast. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also complement the casserole’s rich, cheesy flavors wonderfully, perfect for mopping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish family-style to encourage sharing and conversation. To dress it up for special occasions, portion it into individual ramekins before baking, then garnish right before serving. You can even layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off its colorful layers, making the presentation as appealing as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the thawed casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out and warm until piping hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also work nicely. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily make a vegetarian Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based protein or simply adding extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for texture and heartiness.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chili seasoning packet typically delivers mild to medium spice, but you can always adjust heat to suit your taste by adding hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead or even the night before, leave it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
What type of cheese works best?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is classic for this recipe because cheddar provides bold flavor while mozzarella gives that beautiful melt and stretch. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flair.
Final Thoughts
This Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic wrapped up in one delicious dish. It’s simple to make, full of layered flavors, and irresistibly cheesy—perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with fuss-free elegance. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own signature weeknight favorite!
Print
Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Coney Chili Mac Casserole combining flavorful ground beef chili with tender elbow macaroni and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to perfection. Ideal for a family-friendly dinner that is both satisfying and easy to make within 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Grains and Pasta
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned thoroughly, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in chili seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and water. Let this chili mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors well.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chili mixture simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Macaroni and Chili: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the combined macaroni and chili.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to start melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese topping is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set for an easier portioning and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture.
- Use gluten-free macaroni to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking is a delicious optional addition.
