Arizona Skillet Dinner
A hearty skillet dinner featuring beans, vegetables, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for comforting family meals with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat corn oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, and cumin.
- Saute for 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, breaking them apart with a spoon.
- Add kidney beans and corn.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss in cooked macaroni (elbows).
- Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding ground beef or turkey to the skillet. You can substitute canned beans for dried ones to save time. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or pinto beans. This skillet dinner is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste, much like other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Arizona Skillet Dinner with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It's also delicious topped with avocado slices or served alongside tortilla chips. For a festive touch, pair it with Janice'S Taco Dip for a fun and flavorful combination that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Skillet Dinner contains roughly 18 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 other types of pasta instead of macaroni?
Yes, you can use any small pasta shape like penne or rotini. Just ensure to cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the skillet, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This skillet dinner is perfect for meal prep. Just make a larger batch and portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian when you omit meat. You can enhance the protein content by adding more beans or incorporating veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
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).