Best 2 Tex Mex Chili Mac Recipes

Calling all chili and mac 'n cheese lovers! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that harmoniously blends the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese. This fusion dish, known as Tex-Mex Chili Mac, promises an explosion of zesty, smoky, and cheesy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or an amped-up version with a kick, this article presents a collection of delectable Tex-Mex Chili Mac recipes that cater to every palate. From the traditional combination of ground beef, beans, and zesty spices to innovative vegetarian and slow-cooker variations, these recipes offer a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods. Prepare to satisfy your cravings and indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal that's perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or simply when you're craving a taste of Tex-Mex and mac 'n cheese magic.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SUNNY'S TEX-MEX CHILI MAC SKILLET

Sunny's Tex-Mex Chili Mac Skillet image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pound ground beef (80 percent meat/20 percent fat)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce (pick one with personality!)
One 8.5-ounce bag microwaveable pasta, such as rotini, elbows or penne
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 jalapenos, thinly sliced into rounds
Greek yogurt or sour cream and sliced scallions, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven or a grill to 375 degrees F.
Add the olive oil, chili powder and cumin to a large cast-iron pan over medium heat. Toast and stir until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the beef, salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, breaking the beef into bits while browning, until fully cooked, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and stir to coat. Add the pasta straight from the bag and stir.
Level the contents of the pan and top with the cheese, then arrange the jalapeno slices around the pan on top. Bake or grill with the lid closed until the cheese melts and is golden on the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Top with the Greek yogurt and scallions. Serve warm.

TEX-MEX CHILI MAC

Tex-Mex Chili Mac image

This is a great casual dinner served with cornbread and beer. Be sure and offer chopped cilantro, diced red onions, and sour cream as toppings. For more flavor you can sub chilis in adobo for the Rotel tomatoes. Any small pasta noodle will do like elbow or penne. For the cheese, I like a mixture of extra-sharp cheddar and pepper jack.

Provided by Penny Stettinius

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 onions, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper
16 ounces amber beer
10 ounces Rotel Tomatoes
16 ounces tomato puree
6 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces pasta
4 cups cheese, shredded

Steps:

Brown the ground meat and set aside.
Drain off most of the grease from the meat and saute the onion, garlic, celery, and pepper until soft.
Add the tomatoes, Rotel, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt and pepper.
Stir well and cook 2 minutes.
Add the beer and lower the heat to a low simmer.
Return the meat to the pot and slow simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the flavors all work together.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.
Take the meat mixture off the heat and taste, re-season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cream cheese.
Toss the pasta with the sauce.
Spray the casserole dish with oil and layer 1/2 the pasta mixture on the bottom.
Top with 1/2 the cheese and then spread on the remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining cheese.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until hot, browning and bubbly.

Tips for Making Tex-Mex Chili Mac

Use a variety of beans. This will give your chili mac a more complex flavor and texture. Good options include black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Don't be afraid to use spices. Chili mac is a great dish to experiment with different spices. Some good options include chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Make sure to brown the beef before adding it to the chili. This will help to develop its flavor and prevent it from becoming dry.
Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes. This will help to develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.
Serve the chili mac with your favorite toppings. Some good options include cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex chili mac is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chili. So next time you have some leftover chili, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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