Chili In A Skillet
A hearty skillet chili with ground beef, beans, pasta, and flavorful seasonings, topped with melted cheese—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for the family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chili beans, cooked macaroni, and water to the skillet.
- Stir in chili powder, barbecue sauce, ketchup, and mustard to taste.
- Simmer all ingredients for about 30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Cover with cheese and let it melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicy barbecue sauce. If you're out of chili powder, paprika mixed with cumin can work as a substitute. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef. Adding bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish, similar to what you might find in a Speedy Spicy Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Topping it with sour cream, diced green onions, or additional cheese can elevate the dish. It also pairs beautifully with the American recipes category, making it a versatile option for family dinners or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's thoroughly hot before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili In A Skillet contains roughly 358 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili can be made a day in advance and actually tastes better as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans, kidney beans, or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or corn to boost flavor and texture while keeping it filling.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder you use and adding ingredients like hot sauce or diced chili peppers. For a milder version, use less chili powder and opt for sweet barbecue 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).