Arizona Skillet Dinner(Heart Healthy)
A hearty, flavor-packed skillet dinner with tender vegetables, beans, and pasta, topped with melted cheese—perfect for a nutritious and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed ⓘ
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat corn oil.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, and salt.
- Add chopped tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, and thawed corn.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
- Toss the vegetable mixture with cooked and drained elbow macaroni.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh chili peppers instead of chili powder, or substitute black beans for kidney beans. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Arizona Skillet Dinner is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices on top for extra creaminess. For a refreshing drink, try pairing it with iced tea or a light beer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the mixture moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Skillet Dinner(Heart Healthy) contains roughly 214 calories, with 7g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1199mg per serving (52% 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 other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This skillet dinner holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Simply divide it into portion-sized containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I freeze this Arizona Skillet Dinner?
Yes, you can freeze the dish! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
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).