If you’re searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that marries the heartiness of classic chili with cheesy baked comfort, you need to try Coney Chili Mac Casserole. This dish is where tender macaroni, zesty ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese all come together beneath a golden, bubbly finish. It’s everything you love about chili mac, taken up a notch and baked into a perfectly shareable, soul-satisfying casserole. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or feeding family at a casual gathering, this recipe is a flavorful hug on a plate.

Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Coney Chili Mac Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element plays a vital role: from the pasta’s comforting chew to the robust meatiness and bold spices, every bite showcases a symphony of flavors and textures.

Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): Classic elbows absorb the sauce beautifully and give you that nostalgic, satisfying bite.
Ground beef (1 pound): This hearty base builds rich, savory flavor and makes the casserole wonderfully filling.
Small onion, finely chopped: Softens as it cooks and lends a subtle sweetness that rounds out the bold spices.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Essential for a fragrant, savory backbone in the chili sauce.
Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Brings that classic chili taste and a gentle kick to every bite.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds mild depth and a warm, smoky hue to the dish.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Infuses earthy, aromatic notes that complement the beef and tomatoes.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Delivers just enough sharpness to balance the richness.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Creates the foundation for the luscious, tangy chili base.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Introduces juicy texture and bright pops of tomato flavor.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth and a little intrigue to the meat sauce.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into rich, sharp pockets throughout the casserole.
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Extra creamy, it gives that irresistible gooey cheese stretch.
Green onions, sliced (2, for garnish): Sprinkled on top for a pop of freshness and color just before serving.

How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook them just until they’re al dente according to the package directions – you want them tender but still with a little bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Having the pasta ready to go keeps everything moving smoothly for your Coney Chili Mac Casserole assembly.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off most of the excess fat – you want big, bold flavors, not a greasy casserole!

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add your minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the beef and onion. Let those spices sizzle and bloom for about a minute. The aroma is downright irresistible and sets the scene for that signature Coney Chili Mac Casserole flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and allows the sauce to thicken slightly, coating every piece of pasta later on.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Stir your cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheeses right into the skillet with the meat sauce. Mix well so everything is evenly combined – you want cheesy goodness running through the whole casserole. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finale and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top, making sure every bit gets its share of melty, golden topping. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden-brown in spots. This is where Coney Chili Mac Casserole gets that irresistible, picture-perfect finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Out of the oven, let your casserole rest for a couple of minutes. Finish it off with a generous scatter of sliced green onions for a fresh, zippy contrast. Slice and serve your Coney Chili Mac Casserole hot and enjoy every oozy, savory forkful!

How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Garnishes

For the final flourish, don’t skimp on the green onion garnish. It’s the perfect vibrant touch against the melty cheese. If you want to shake things up, toss on a handful of freshly chopped cilantro, some thinly sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a few diced tomatoes for these extra pops of flavor and color. Everyone at the table can add a little something special to their serving of Coney Chili Mac Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as the star of the meal, but a few sides never hurt. Try a cool, creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance out the rich, cheesy layers. Homemade cornbread or breadsticks are always a treat and a great way to scoop up all that saucy goodness. For an extra Southern twist, serve with sweet corn or roasted veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress, consider dishing up Coney Chili Mac Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also serve it “buffet-style,” letting guests help themselves with a topping bar featuring hot sauce, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or even a dollop of sour cream. This casserole is endlessly adaptable for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy game day feasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Coney Chili Mac Casserole is a meal prep dream! Any leftovers can be wrapped tightly or transferred into a storage container and kept in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only get richer as they meld together, so don’t worry if you have extra – tomorrow’s lunch just got a serious upgrade.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the entire baking dish well with both plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat your Coney Chili Mac Casserole, simply bake it (covered with foil to prevent drying out) at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly – just heat until steamy and the cheese is melting once again.

FAQs

Can I make Coney Chili Mac Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just assemble the casserole as instructed, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold, and you’re set for a no-stress mealtime.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily bump up the heat. Add extra chili powder, a dash of cayenne, some diced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to tailor the spice level to your liking.

Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole

Feel free to get creative with the cheese. Pepper Jack brings a spicy kick, mozzarella makes it extra stretchy, and a little smoked gouda or provolone can add new layers of flavor. Stick to good melting cheeses for best results in your Coney Chili Mac Casserole.

What protein alternatives work here?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are fantastic swaps for ground beef. Just brown them as you would the original protein, and enjoy an equally hearty and delicious casserole.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and canned ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe for Coney Chili Mac Casserole is naturally gluten-free-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely special about sharing a bubbling, cheese-laden pan of Coney Chili Mac Casserole with people you love. It’s equal parts comfort, nostalgia, and bold flavor, guaranteed to bring joy to any table. Take the plunge and make it for your next family dinner – you just might find yourself making it again and again!

Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Coney Chili Mac Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of chili with cheesy pasta. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Garnish:

2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add seasonings: Stir in garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Combine: Add cooked macaroni and half of the cheese to the skillet. Transfer to a baking dish.
Bake: Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with green onions.