Chili-Mac Skillet
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, pasta, beans, and a spicy tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family with bold chili and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 (15 1/2 oz) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the kidney beans.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the drained beans, tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, uncooked elbow macaroni, drained green chili peppers, chili powder, garlic salt, and 1/4 cup water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then cover and heat for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder to 1 teaspoon or substitute with smoked paprika. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chili-Mac Skillet is a hearty dish on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or corn tortilla chips for extra crunch. For a comforting meal, serve with a side of Chowder or a slice of crusty bread. Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili-Mac Skillet contains roughly 235 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure the beans and sauces are all vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each will add a unique flavor and texture, but they will all work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Chili-Mac Skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook it according to the recipe and let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat as directed. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
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).