If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and cheesy goodness, then this Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This dish perfectly combines savory ground beef simmered in zesty chili sauce with tender elbow macaroni and a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet packed with layers of texture and taste that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich, satisfying profile. From the hearty ground beef to the sharp cheeses, each element adds something special to the final casserole, making it both flavorful and comforting.
- Ground beef: The foundation of the chili, providing robust flavor and protein for a filling meal.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory warmth, perfectly balanced when cooked until just soft.
- Chili seasoning packet: Brings the classic coney island chili flavor with spices that kick up the heat and aroma.
- Tomato sauce: Delivers a tangy, smooth base that ties all the chili ingredients together.
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Offers a creamy texture and earthy note that complements the meat.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the delicious chili and sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it provides that irresistible cheesy top layer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretchiness, making every bite a cheesy delight.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savory depth with subtle aromatic notes.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and ground beef, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Water: Helps simmer the chili mixture to just the right consistency.
How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Saute Onions
Start by preheating your oven to a lively 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and get that perfect golden cheese topping. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the chopped onion. Let it soften gently, releasing its natural sweetness in just a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan with your softened onions. Cook it until it’s browned to perfection, which not only locks in the flavor but also creates a tempting base for your chili sauce. Remember to drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili Mixture
Now stir in the packet of chili seasoning along with garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and the half cup of water. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer and bubble away for about 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully and thickens the sauce just right.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your chili simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. It’s important to cook the pasta just until tender but still firm, so it holds its shape in the casserole without getting mushy once baked.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Drain the pasta well and add it directly to the chili mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend every bite with that warm, spicy sauce. Transfer everything into a large casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to set the stage for the glorious topping.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Next, sprinkle a generous heap of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the entire surface. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, then bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil so the cheese can melt deeply and get bubbly and golden during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Rest and Ready
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes—it helps the layers set, making it even more enjoyable to serve and eat.
How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe presentation, consider topping servings with chopped green onions or fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of pickled jalapeños can bring a nice creamy or tangy contrast that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite the hearty main course, so pairing it with crisp sides like a simple garden salad or steamed green beans keeps the meal balanced and fresh. Cornbread or garlic bread also make fantastic companions, soaking up every last drop of the cheesy chili sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a bit of fun, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until the cheese crisps up beautifully. Another idea is layering it like a lasagna in a deep dish for a dramatic reveal at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole either assembled or after baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly again—about 20 minutes—or microwave individual portions for a quicker fix. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese can revive that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works best to capture the chili sauce, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or penne to keep things interesting. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili seasoning packet. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot seasoning blend or adding fresh chili peppers.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative and swap the chili seasoning for a vegetarian version. The beans and tomato sauce keep it hearty and flavorful.
Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?
Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking. It helps the casserole maintain a pleasant texture where pasta and chili meld perfectly.
What’s the best cheese blend to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella are perfect because cheddar adds sharpness while mozzarella melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy bite. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby if you want a different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with this Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe when you want something warm, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic flavor. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where comfort food is king. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, savory spoonful as much as I do!
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
This hearty Coney Chili Mac Casserole combines savory ground beef chili with tender elbow macaroni, topped with a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole blends classic chili flavors with cheesy pasta baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, which will enhance the flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare Chili Sauce: Stir in chili seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and water. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chili simmers, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, usually boiling until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine Chili and Pasta: In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole surface for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and cheese to begin melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers and make it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or corn during the chili simmering step.
