Mexican Skillet
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired skillet dish featuring seasoned sausage, tender macaroni, vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines bold spices with a creamy touch, appealing to those who enjoy rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sausage, onions, and green pepper in a heavy skillet for about 20 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, salt, sugar, chili powder, tomatoes, and water to the skillet.
- Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the mixture is thickened.
- Just before serving, fold in the sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the crumbled sausage. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of lime juice or fresh cilantro before serving. This dish is a great way to incorporate leftovers into your meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Skillet with a side of warm tortillas or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Top with fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Piping Hot Venison Dip for a hearty meal or as part of a casual gathering. Consider serving with a Margarita Pie for dessert to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For best results, serve it fresh, but it can still be enjoyed as leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Skillet contains roughly 409 calories, with 16g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2707mg per serving (118% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the sausage with a plant-based alternative, such as crumbled tempeh or a meatless sausage. You can also add additional vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly for a balanced taste.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Using a can of diced tomatoes is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes if preferred. If using fresh, about 2 cups of diced tomatoes will work well. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to cook down and meld with the other ingredients.
Can I freeze the Mexican Skillet?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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).