Texas Chili Mac and Cheese

January 25, 2025 -

Original Recipe by Karen at City Girl with a Texas Twist

Indulge in Chili Mac and Cheese, where velvety, smoky cheddar meets hearty, slow-cooked chili in a bold, spicy embrace. This dish is the ultimate comfort food fusion, packed with flavor in every creamy, cheesy bite!

City Girl with a Texas Twist"s Texas Chili Mac and Cheese

If you make this recipe, please tag me on your social media!

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Ingredients

Serves: 4

Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 cup fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned)

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1/4 cup beer (optional, for flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)

• 2 cups shredded cheese (smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix)

• 1/2 tsp mustard powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Crushed tortilla chips or fried onions

• Sliced green onions

• Shredded cheddar or cotija cheese

Directions:

Prepare the Chili:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

• Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

• Stir in the spices, tomatoes, broth, and beer. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions or to your liking.

• Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

• Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.

• Stir in the cheese and mustard powder until smooth.

• Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Dish:

• Combine the pasta, cheese sauce, and chili.

• Mix well and transfer to a baking dish if desired.

• Top with tortilla chips, green onions, and shredded cheese.

• Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.

Texas-Sized Plating Tips

• Serve in a bowl that can handle heat.

• Make it a little fancier using a French Onion Ramekin!

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Take it to the next level!

Bread Bowl:

Smaller, round artisan or sourdough loaves are perfect for this. If unsure, head to the bakery area at your favorite grocery store and look for round loaves labeled “sourdough,” “artisan,” or “Italian.” Leave about 1/2" around the rim after taking the top center out and toast the bread bowl to help make it sturdy enough for the Chili Mac and Cheese. Yum!

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This recipe is the original creation of City Girl with a Texas Twist, LLC. For personal use only. Please do not reproduce without permission. Sharing? Link back to this page.