Mac Casserole Makeover: This Coney Chili Classic Is a Weeknight Lifesaver

When Life’s a Hot Mess, Let This Mac Casserole Save Dinner

We’ve all been there—staring blankly into the fridge at 5:47 PM, wondering how it’s dinner time again. Enter: mac casserole. Specifically, this hearty, cheesy, zero-fuss Coney Chili Mac Casserole that feels like a hug in a dish. Whether you’re juggling Zoom meetings, soccer practice, or just trying to survive a Monday, this one-pan wonder’s got your back.

It’s a savory mashup of comfort food classics—macaroni and chili—with a golden layer of melty cheddar that’ll have your family asking for seconds before you sit down. And the best part? It’s all made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Mac Casserole

There’s a reason mac casserole has been a go-to for generations—it’s uncomplicated, reliable, and delicious. But this one brings a little something extra to the table.

• Time-saving: Dinner on the table in 35 minutes, start to finish.
• Family-approved: Even your “I only eat beige food” toddler will be impressed.
• Budget-friendly: Pantry staples, fridge regulars, and nothing fancy-schmancy.
• Nostalgia with a twist: It’s like if chili cheese dogs and macaroni had a cozy little casserole baby.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and pantry-friendly:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (because no one has time for hard-to-pronounce pasta)
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil your elbow macaroni until it’s just tender—al dente is key. Drain and set aside. (P.S. Don’t overcook it. Mushy mac makes nobody happy.)

Step 2: Make that beefy base
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Once browned and your kitchen smells amazing, stir in tomato sauce, water, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, just enough to blend those chili flavors.

Step 3: Combine and transfer
Toss the cooked macaroni into the skillet and stir until everything’s happily mingling. Pour it all into a casserole dish.

Step 4: Cheese it up and bake
Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously on top (this is not the time to hold back). Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

Quick Tips for the Best Coney Chili Mac Casserole

• Short on beef? You can easily stretch it with a can of beans. (Hello, protein boost!)
• Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or swap regular cheddar for pepper jack.
• Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and use a 9×13 dish—same bake time.
• Make it meatless: Sub in plant-based crumbles and it’s still a 10/10.

My Kids Call It “Magic Mac”

This dish became a fast favorite in our house the week I was too tired to even look at a cookbook. I tossed together what I had—macaroni, beef, sauce, and cheese—and hoped for the best. My kids? They asked for it three nights in a row. My picky eater even ate the onions (unknowingly, of course). Now, I make it whenever dinner feels like one more thing on an already-too-long list.

FAQs About This Mac Casserole

Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Totally! Penne, shells, or rotini all work—just keep it short and sturdy so it holds up in the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep it in the morning, cover and refrigerate, then bake right before dinner. Add 5 extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Is this spicy?
Not really—just flavorful. But if spice is a concern (or a craving), you can adjust the chili powder up or down. Mild salsa stirred in is another fun variation!

More Than a Mac Casserole—It’s Your Midweek Hero

There’s something beautiful about a meal that’s warm, cheesy, and ready in under 40 minutes—especially when it doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. This mac casserole has everything you need: flavor, comfort, simplicity, and leftovers that reheat like a dream.

And hey, if tonight’s been a day, just know that this casserole won’t judge you for pairing it with boxed wine and fuzzy socks.