Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Okay, let’s talk comfort food—serious comfort food. Say hello to Coney Chili Mac Casserole, a gloriously cheesy, hearty, slightly nostalgic dish that tastes like a mashup of your favorite chili dog stand and a bubbling baked pasta. This one’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish: rich, beefy chili, tender macaroni, gooey cheese, and that hint of sweet-spicy Coney Island flair.

Trust me, this casserole is the kind of meal that disappears fast. It’s crowd-pleasing, belly-filling, and so easy to throw together. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or you just want something that makes you feel like a kid again (but with grown-up flavor), this dish totally delivers. Let’s get into what makes it irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Coney Chili Mac Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or weekend hangouts. It’s casual but feels like a treat. Leftovers? Even better the next day.

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef, pasta, canned beans, and cheese—you probably have everything already. Simple doesn’t mean boring here.

Quick and Easy: If you can brown beef and boil pasta, you can make this. The oven does the rest while you kick back.

Customizable: Add some heat, swap the pasta, toss in extra beans—whatever makes your taste buds happy. Want it vegetarian? Sub the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love it. Adults love it. The dog might even try to sneak a bite. It’s cozy, familiar, and always a win.

Ingredients in Coney Chili Mac Casserole

This casserole brings bold chili flavor, cheesy goodness, and classic mac vibes together in one beautiful, baked package. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The meaty base that brings richness and depth. Browned and seasoned to perfection, it anchors the whole dish.

Onion

Sautéed with the beef for extra flavor. It adds sweetness and that classic chili aroma.

Tomato Sauce

Smooth and rich—it forms the base of the chili sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

Kidney Beans

A classic chili ingredient that brings texture, protein, and heartiness to the mix.

Chili Powder & Spices

This is where the “Coney” magic kicks in—think cumin, paprika, maybe even a dash of cinnamon for that signature sweet-savory thing.

Elbow Macaroni

The pasta of choice for chili mac. It holds the sauce beautifully and bakes up like a dream.

Shredded Cheese

Melted, gooey, and golden. Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want a kick.

Yellow Mustard

Just a little bit adds that classic Coney dog tang. It’s subtle but so good.

Brown Sugar

Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and adds that unmistakable Coney-style sweetness.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F. A hot oven means a bubbly, golden top every time.

Combine Ingredients

Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet until fully cooked and tender. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, mustard, brown sugar, and any other spices you’re using. Simmer for about 5–10 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Assemble the Dish

In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture and half the shredded cheese. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese for that ooey-gooey finish.

Cook to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are just slightly crisp.

Finishing Touches

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop onto plates and garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and enjoy that chili mac magic.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Around 450–600 (depends on cheese, beef, and pasta types)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole

This dish stands on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas:

• With a Side Salad: Something crisp and tangy—think a vinegar-dressed slaw or chopped salad.
• Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
• Hot Sauce or Pickles: For a little kick and contrast to the rich flavors.
• Cornbread Muffins: A slightly sweet side that pairs perfectly with chili anything.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Spice It Up: Add cayenne, jalapeños, or chipotle powder for some heat.
• Lighten It Up: Use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, or reduced-fat cheese if you’d like.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Yep—freeze it before or after baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A1: Totally! Penne, rotini, or shells all work well—just cook them al dente before mixing.

Q2: Can I skip the beans?
A2: Yes—just leave them out or replace them with extra beef or a different veggie.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
A3: Absolutely! Use lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative instead of ground beef.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A5: You bet. Assemble it up to a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add hot dogs to really go “Coney”?
A6: YES. Slice and stir them in with the chili mixture before baking for a fun, nostalgic twist.

Q7: Can I make this spicy?
A7: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy chili seasoning to kick things up.

Q8: What’s the best cheese for this?
A8: Sharp cheddar for flavor, Monterey Jack for meltiness, or a spicy blend if you’re into heat.

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: Not as-is, but you can make it GF with gluten-free pasta and a certified GF chili seasoning.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Sure! Just use a larger baking dish or divide into two. Bake time may increase slightly.

Conclusion

Coney Chili Mac Casserole is pure comfort in casserole form—rich, cheesy, just a little nostalgic, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with mouthwatering smells and brings people running to the table. So the next time you want to serve up something hearty and guaranteed to please, give this one a go. You’ll be hooked from the first bite.

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