Texas Rattlesnake Chilimidland, Texas
A hearty Texan chili featuring rattlesnake or chicken, bold spices, and pasta, perfect for those who enjoy spicy, meaty comfort foods with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cubed rattlesnake meat or chicken ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups tomatoes (two 14 1/2 oz cans), undrained
- 2/3 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5 qt. saucepan, heat the oil and cook the onion, green pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Add the meat and cook until done, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer about 2 hours.
- Before serving, add water and bring the chili back to boiling.
- Stir in uncooked pasta.
- Continue boiling, stirring frequently, for about 10 to 15 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. If rattlesnake meat is unavailable, chicken works as a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, use beef broth instead of water when adding to the chili. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to achieve the best balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Texas Rattlesnake Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Beef Barbecue Brisket for a Texas-themed feast. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to rehydrate the chili, and heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Rattlesnake Chilimidland, Texas contains roughly 472 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1676mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this chili?
Yes, you can substitute the rattlesnake meat with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're looking for more beefy flavor, stick with ground beef or use a combination of meats. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the chosen meat.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables. Add beans like kidney or black beans for protein and fiber. You can also add extra veggies such as zucchini or corn for more texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Texas Rattlesnake Chili?
This chili pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips, a fresh garden salad, or guacamole for a complete meal. Additionally, you can serve it alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).