Description
This hearty Coney Chili Mac Casserole combines spicy chili flavors with creamy macaroni and melted cheddar cheese in a comforting baked dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, it layers seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and cheddar over tender elbow macaroni for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
Chili Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (1 oz) packet chili seasoning mix
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add Chili Ingredients: Stir in chili seasoning mix, undrained chili beans, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Macaroni Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked elbow macaroni, chili mixture, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the macaroni and chili mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven and consumed within 3 days.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
