Chili Skillet Supper
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta with chili spices, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt fat in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and ground beef to the skillet.
- Brown the mixture lightly, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomatoes, salt, chili powder, and pepper, mixing well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Gradually stir in the elbow spaghetti.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a teaspoon of cumin. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use different types of pasta instead of elbow spaghetti, such as penne or fusilli. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce, which pairs beautifully with Rotel Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with tortilla chips or homemade guacamole. For added flavor, top with shredded cheese or sour cream. This fulfilling meal is perfect for busy weeknights and echoes the comforting essence of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili skillet supper 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 or broth to restore moisture, and heat on the stovetop over low until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Skillet Supper contains roughly 651 calories, with 11g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2963mg per serving (129% 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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili skillet supper up to the point of simmering the spaghetti. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop and add a bit of water if needed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
For a lighter option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. If going meatless, consider incorporating beans for added protein and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! You can increase the chili powder or add diced fresh chilies like jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo. This dish can easily be customized to suit your heat preference.
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).