Looking for a delicious one-pan meal that’s easy to make? Try Skillet Chili Mac! This mouthwatering dish combines ground meat, beans, pasta, and savory spices to create a hearty family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with flavor and customizable with your favorite toppings.You'll want to make this again and again!
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
![To make a tasty Skillet Chili Mac, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a rich and hearty meal that fills you up and warms you inside. You can make your Skillet Chili Mac even better with these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro - Chopped green onions These simple touches add freshness and color to your dish. For this one-pan meal, you will need some basic kitchen tools: - A large skillet - A spatula - A chopping board - A knife - Measuring spoons These tools help you prepare and cook your Skillet Chili Mac easily. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make Skillet Chili Mac, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional) Make sure to chop the onion and red bell pepper before you start cooking. Mince the garlic for a burst of flavor. This prep helps everything cook evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté these for about 3 to 5 minutes until they soften. This step builds a great base. Next, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the meat is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and veggies in those spices. The smell will be amazing! Now, pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, and elbow macaroni. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to stop it from sticking. When the macaroni is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want, garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. You can find the full recipe for Skillet Chili Mac to guide you through these steps! Enjoy your one-pan meal that’s easy and full of flavor. To boost the flavor of your Skillet Chili Mac, think about adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or green onions can make a big difference. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you want a smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. Many people skip sautéing the onion and pepper first. This step is key for flavor. Make sure to brown the meat well before adding other ingredients. If you add the pasta too early, it might get mushy. Always check the pasta for doneness as it cooks. Lastly, don't forget to season! A little salt and pepper can go a long way. For the best texture, cook the macaroni until it is al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite into it. Stirring the pot occasionally helps prevent sticking. Covering the skillet while it simmers traps steam, cooking the pasta evenly. After adding the cheese, stir until it melts for a creamy finish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. {{image_2}} You can easily swap meat for veggies. Use black beans, lentils, or chickpeas. Start with the same base. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Add your chosen beans and the spices. This keeps the dish hearty and full of flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Just watch your broth too; select a gluten-free brand. Feel free to add more veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or corn work great. You can also add protein like chicken or tofu. Just cook them with the onion and garlic first. This keeps the dish colorful and nutritious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures! For the full recipe, check the initial section. To store Skillet Chili Mac, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you are ready to eat, it's time to reheat. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, put it in a bowl and heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If using the stove, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until hot. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze Skillet Chili Mac. Pour it into a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. For convenience, you can also freeze individual portions. Just grab one when you're hungry! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use different meats in Skillet Chili Mac. Ground turkey works great if you want a leaner option. Ground chicken or pork also fits well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. The key is to ensure the meat is fully cooked. This adds rich flavor to the dish. To spice things up, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy chili powder instead of regular. If you enjoy heat, try a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste. Start small, then add more if you want. This way, you control the heat level. Skillet Chili Mac pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. Cornbread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a light option, serve with steamed veggies. You can also top with avocado for creaminess. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! Skillet Chili Mac is simple yet filled with flavor. We covered the main ingredients, optional garnishes, and tools needed. The step-by-step instructions guide you through prep, cooking, and finishing touches. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Variations allow for vegetarian or gluten-free options. Storage tips help keep your dish fresh. With this knowledge, you can make a delicious Skillet Chili Mac that suits your tastes. Enjoy exploring different flavors and make it your own!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a7ea8746-fd95-4b53-aa89-b629bd519c64-250x250.webp)