Easy Mexican Skillet
A flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired skillet dish featuring pork sausage, macaroni, and vibrant spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork sausage and drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until tender.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and chili powder.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cumin. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the sour cream to 3/4 cup. This dish can also be customized with additional vegetables like zucchini or corn, making it a versatile choice among Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Mexican Skillet with warm tortillas or a side of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad topped with avocado and lime. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Venita's Enchiladas for a delicious South Of The Border Meal experience that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mexican Skillet contains roughly 573 calories, with 19g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to step 4 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove and stir in the sour cream just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni on hand, you can substitute with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, try using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a different texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the Easy Mexican Skillet?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
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).