Savoury Tex-Mex macaroni casserole with ground beef, beans, and spices.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
50 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Pro tip: Add a teaspoon of oil to the water to prevent sticking.
Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Pro tip: Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Sauté vegetables
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add spices and beans
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the black beans and salsa, mixing well to combine.
Pro tip: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder if desired.
Combine with pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the beef and sauce mixture.
Pro tip: Ensure the pasta is well mixed to absorb the flavours.
Bake the casserole
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro tip: For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium.
- Adjust the spiciness with more or less chili powder.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is macaroni mexicain?
Macaroni mexicain refers to a Tex-Mex style macaroni dish with ground beef, beans, and spices, baked with cheese.
How long to bake the macaroni?
Bake the macaroni casserole for 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
What cheese is best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp flavour and good melting properties.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
450
Calories
30g
Protein
20g
Fat
40g
Carbs
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Kitchen & BBQ gear
What we use for recipes like this
Baking · Baking Mats
PrettyCare Silicone Baking Mat 3 Pack, Non Stick & Easy Clean Tapis Silicon Baking Sheet,Toaster Oven Liner, Reusable Baking Supplies for Pastry, Cookie, Macaroon Thick & Large 16.5" x 11"-RED
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Pots & Pans · Dutch Ovens
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven with Lid and Dual Handles, Heavy-Duty, 6-Quart, Blue
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