Chili Skillet(Yields 4 Servings)
A hearty and flavorful chili skillet combining ground beef, vegetables, beans, and cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 c. canned or frozen corn ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion, peppers, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato juice, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, and rice; cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in corn and olives; cover and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese; cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans. You can also play with the spices by adding cumin or smoked paprika. To reduce cooking time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal. This dish pairs well with other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili skillet with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro on top for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for crunch. You can also enjoy it over a bed of lettuce for a lighter option. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Skillet(Yields 4 Servings) contains roughly 1214 calories, with 45g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 chili skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together over time. It's perfect for meal prep or making ahead for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using black beans, lentils, or even textured vegetable protein. These substitutes will maintain the hearty texture while allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the skillet. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, smoke paprika is a great addition. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick!
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).