Name: Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or substitute hot dogs, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 packet or 2 tbsp chili seasoning; 8 oz elbow macaroni or other small pasta; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: canned beans, jalapeños, scallions, mustard for topping; Optional: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or chipotle powder

Get ready to fall in love with the nostalgic, crave-worthy goodness of Coney Chili Mac Casserole—an irresistible blend of hearty chili, creamy macaroni, and melty cheddar cheese broiled to golden perfection. This dish is a true comfort food celebration, inspired by iconic Coney Island chili dogs and our collective obsession with macaroni and cheese. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, equally at home on a busy weeknight, at your next potluck, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

Coney Chili Mac Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy stuff here—just straightforward, flavor-boosting staples that each play a key role in building those layers of taste and coziness. Everything on this list is chosen for pure delicious payoff, from the seasoned beef down to each cheesy strand.

Ground beef or sliced hot dogs: The heart of the casserole, offering a classic Coney texture—ground beef if you want it beefy, hot dogs for that chili dog vibe.
Onion: Diced small, it gets sweet and soft, blending right into the chili base for even more savory flavor.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced—this gives the dish depth and warmth you’ll notice in every bite.
Tomato paste: Compressed flavor that thickens the chili and brings out that signature rich tang.
Chili seasoning: Whether from a packet or homemade, this is where the bold, classic chili character comes from.
Elbow macaroni (or your favorite small pasta): Perfectly chewy, it grabs onto the sauce and creates that classic mac-and-cheese feel.
Shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend: Essential for creaminess and that irresistible golden, bubbly top.
Salt and pepper: For dialing all the flavors in, don’t skip the seasoning!
Optional toppings: Canned beans, jalapeños, scallions, or a mustard drizzle, for extra Coney Dog flair.
Optional spice: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder brings a whisper of smoky heat if you like a little kick.

How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your macaroni until just al dente—it should be still slightly firm, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready for assembling later.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Set a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef (or sliced hot dogs, if you’re going for full Coney dog energy) and cook until nicely browned, breaking up the meat as you go. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep things from getting too heavy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add your diced onion right into the browned meat and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft—about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and chili seasoning, then stir things around until everything smells impossibly good, letting the tomato paste caramelize just a bit for extra punch. If the mixture looks dry, splash in a little bit of water or beef broth to keep it saucy.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Dump the cooked, drained macaroni into your skillet and fold everything together until every noodle is thoroughly coated in that meaty, chili-spiked goodness. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Grab a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half the chili mac mixture in the bottom, sprinkle with a generous handful of shredded cheese, then top with the remaining mixture and finish with more cheese on top. Layering like this ensures gooey cheese all throughout and that irresistible crust up top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your masterpiece into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, uncovered. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is nicely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in golden splotches. This is when your kitchen will start smelling like home!

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for five minutes—it’ll set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. Top with any of your favorite garnishes (think sliced scallions, jalapeños, or a sharp yellow mustard drizzle if you’re feeling authentic Coney), and dig in.

How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing upgrades a slice of Coney Chili Mac Casserole like a handful of fresh toppings. Scallions or chives give a pop of color and a mild oniony bite, while sliced jalapeños or a dusting of extra chili seasoning bring just the right amount of heat. Don’t sleep on that classic drizzle of yellow mustard—it ties in the Coney dog inspiration perfectly and cuts through the richness!

Side Dishes

This casserole is definitely the main event, but it’s even better paired with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli to balance things out. If you’re aiming for pure comfort, serve with a hunk of cornbread or even a few crunchy potato chips. Each bite will remind you why Coney Chili Mac Casserole is the kind of meal that brings a crowd running.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or potlucks, try baking the Coney Chili Mac Casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfect personal portions—so fun for kids and adults alike. Or, serve generous scoops inside toasted hot dog buns for the ultimate Coney dog-mac fusion. This dish can also be customized for your crafting pleasure with a DIY chili mac bar: set out bowls of toppings and let guests build their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coney Chili Mac Casserole is a dream for next-day lunches or quick suppers. Once cooled, cover tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and actually tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and stash in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and you’ll have a hot-bubbly homemade meal at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

When reheating, simply pop individual servings in the microwave or rewarm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil. If the casserole seems a little dry from storage, stir in a splash of broth or milk before reheating to bring back its original creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Coney Chili Mac Casserole is incredibly flexible. Ground turkey or your favorite meatless crumble swaps in perfectly—just be sure to season well, as leaner proteins can benefit from an extra pinch of salt or chili spice.

Is it possible to add beans or extra veggies?

Yes! Stir in a can of drained beans (like kidney or pinto) or some corn and bell peppers for more texture, flavor, and nutrition. This is an easy way to customize the dish and stretch it even further for a crowd.

Can I make Coney Chili Mac Casserole ahead to bake later?

You sure can. Assemble the unbaked casserole up to two days in advance, cover, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake as directed (adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven).

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a bold cheddar blend will all melt beautifully and taste great. For a spicier version, mix in some pepper jack.

How do I make it spicier?

For heat lovers, stir diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the meat mixture, and sprinkle the top with extra chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce before baking. You can also use a spicy cheese blend to kick things up a notch.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big, bubbling pan of Coney Chili Mac Casserole. Whether you love it for the nostalgia, the simplicity, or just the cheesy, chili-laden joy it brings, this recipe is bound to become a staple at your table. Give it a try and discover just how comforting (and fun!) dinnertime can be.