Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? Try this Savory Skillet Chili Mac recipe! It's an easy one-pan meal packed with flavor and customizable to your preferences, whether you prefer a meaty dish or a delicious vegetarian option. In just one pot, you can whip up a cozy meal your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for perfecting this hearty dish!
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
![To make this delicious Skillet Chili Mac, you need key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a rich, savory dish that warms you up. You can add a twist to your Skillet Chili Mac with these optional ingredients: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Sour cream for creaminess - Avocado for freshness - Corn for sweetness Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! If you need to swap out any ingredients, here are some easy options: - Use ground chicken or plant-based meat instead of beef or turkey. - Swap kidney beans for pinto beans or lentils. - Use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, about 3 cups chopped. - Try different pasta shapes like penne or shells. These substitutions keep the meal tasty and fit your needs. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and easy. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil helps cook the onion and garlic without sticking. Once hot, you’re ready to move on. Add one medium diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. This step adds great flavor! After that, mix in one pound of ground beef or turkey. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there is extra fat, drain it off. Stir in one can of kidney beans and one can of black beans. Make sure to rinse and drain them first. Then, add one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies along with their juices. It’s time to season! Sprinkle in two tablespoons of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Now, it’s time for the pasta! Add two cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and four cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to cook and soak up most of the liquid. When the pasta is ready, remove the skillet from heat. Fold in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese should melt and mix in nicely. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, your Skillet Chili Mac is ready to serve! For a lovely touch, you can garnish with fresh cilantro. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! To get the best flavor, start with fresh ingredients. Use fresh garlic and onion. They add a great taste. Brown the meat well for richness. Don't rush this step. Stir in the spices early to let them bloom. That means they mix well with the oil and heat. Use a large skillet for enough space. A non-stick skillet makes cleaning easy. When adding the broth and pasta, stir well. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Taste as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Follow the time in the recipe. If you cook it too long, it gets mushy. Another mistake is not draining the canned beans. This can make your dish too watery. Also, don't skip the cheese. It adds creaminess and ties the dish together. Lastly, avoid low-quality broth. A good broth makes a big difference in flavor. You need a few simple tools for this dish. A large skillet is a must. You also want a good wooden spoon for stirring. A measuring cup for the broth helps, too. Using a can opener makes opening beans and tomatoes fast. A colander is useful for rinsing beans. If you want to save time, a garlic press can chop garlic quickly. These tools make cooking easy and fun! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the meat with extra beans and veggies. Use ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add depth. Instead of ground beef, use a mix of black beans and kidney beans. This keeps the protein high and adds great flavor. You can still use the same spices and broth for a rich taste. If you want to change up the meat, you have options. Ground turkey is a lean choice and works well. You can also use ground chicken for a lighter dish. For a richer flavor, try adding chorizo or sausage. Just cook the meat until done before adding the other ingredients. Each meat brings its own unique taste to the skillet. Love heat? Spice it up! Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also use spicy chili powder for an extra kick. If you want to go bold, try adding some cayenne pepper. For a smoky touch, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These additions will make your Skillet Chili Mac truly memorable. For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. To keep your Skillet Chili Mac fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It lasts for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, don’t add cheese until you reheat it. This keeps it creamy and delicious. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat for best results. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist. If you prefer, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors bright and tasty. You can freeze Skillet Chili Mac for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave. This way, your meal stays full of flavor. For the best texture, add fresh cheese when reheating. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Skillet Chili Mac stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can make Skillet Chili Mac ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to heat it up. This dish is great for meal prep and saves time on busy days. You can serve Skillet Chili Mac with several tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Cornbread: This pairs nicely with the chili flavor. - Green Salad: A fresh salad can balance the rich flavors. - Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds creaminess. - Avocado: Slices of avocado give a smooth texture. Yes, you can make Skillet Chili Mac without meat. Use extra beans or lentils instead. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. Add more veggies for flavor, like bell peppers or zucchini. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas on customization. We covered the key ingredients for Skillet Chili Mac, from essentials to fun twists. You learned how to prep, cook, and finish your dish with tasty cheese. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and tools to make cooking easier. We also explored variations for different diets and how to store your leftovers well. In the end, Skillet Chili Mac is versatile and simple. You can create a dish that fits your taste. Enjoy your cooking!](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/740b39c7-c9c1-4c1a-8021-df3eb528d6a5-300x300.webp)