Chili Skillet
A hearty and flavorful chili skillet packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and melted cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 c. canned or frozen corn ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic until the meat is brown and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, oregano, salt, and rice; cover and simmer about 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in corn and black olives; cover and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover, and cook until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a different texture and added nutrition. This dish can be customized with your favorite beans or vegetables, making it versatile for various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Skillet with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad with a tangy dressing complements the rich flavors well. For added flavor, top each serving with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Dana'S One Dish Meal for a complete spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Skillet contains roughly 1326 calories, with 39g protein, 264g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (390% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2816mg per serving (122% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the Chili Skillet in advance. Cook it as directed, then let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Lentils or black beans are excellent options that provide a hearty texture while keeping the dish flavorful.
Can I freeze the Chili Skillet?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm 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).