Cooking Texas Chili Mac: A Tasty Combination of Chili and Pasta

Name: Cooking Texas Chili Mac: A Tasty Combination of Chili and Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (lean preferred); 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz, with juices); 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed); 8 oz macaroni pasta; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste); 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

By: Maria
Posted: 01/04/2025

Texas Chili Mac is a savory blend of hearty chili and tender pasta, making it the ultimate comfort meal. This recipe brings together bold spices, rich beefy flavors, and perfectly cooked macaroni for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chili simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chili

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the chili mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a few minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Texas Chili Mac!

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Texas Chili Mac recipe is the perfect combination of rich, hearty chili and comforting pasta. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up on a busy weeknight or at your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Texas Chili Mac ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?

Yes, you can definitely make Texas Chili Mac ahead of time! You can prepare the chili base (steps 1 and 2) up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook the macaroni just before serving and combine it with the reheated chili. For longer storage, assembled Chili Mac can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw completely and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can make in this Texas Chili Mac recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, using the same amount (1 lb or 450g). If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be used as a substitute, using a 15 oz can. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you are out of smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when the Texas Chili Mac is perfectly cooked?

The ground beef is perfectly cooked when it’s fully browned and no longer pink. The vegetables are done when the onions are translucent and the bell peppers have softened, about 5 minutes of sautéing. The macaroni should be cooked al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it, following the package instructions. The chili is ready when the flavors have melded, which is usually after simmering for about 15 minutes.

Can I double or scale up this Texas Chili Mac recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe! When doubling, use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to increase the cooking time for the chili to allow the flavors to fully develop. When scaling up, ensure you have enough space to stir the ingredients and to cook the pasta appropriately.

What are the nutritional highlights of this Texas Chili Mac?

This Texas Chili Mac provides a good source of protein from the ground beef and beans, as well as fiber from the beans, vegetables, and pasta. The diced tomatoes contribute vitamins and antioxidants, while the onion and garlic add additional vitamins and potential health benefits. The recipe also includes iron from the beef and some dairy from the cheese, providing calcium.

No ratings yet

Cooking Texas Chili Mac: A Tasty Combination of Chili and Pasta

This hearty Texas Chili Mac combines the flavors of traditional Texas chili with the comforting texture of pasta, resulting in a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Rate Pin Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef lean preferred
1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, with juices
1 can kidney beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
8 oz macaroni pasta
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp salt or to taste
0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cooked macaroni pasta. Combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.