Description
Coney Chili Mac Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef cooked with chili seasoning, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and elbow macaroni, all baked together with a cheesy topping of cheddar and mozzarella. This easy-to-make casserole combines classic chili flavors with pasta for a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans and Pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup water
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your 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, releasing their sweetness.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in chili seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Cook Macaroni: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked macaroni with the chili mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to the chili mixture.
- Use whole wheat macaroni to increase fiber content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals.
- Mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add flavor variation.
