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For Skillet Chili Mac, you will need to gather some simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups beef broth - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 3 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, for garnish This mix of ingredients makes a hearty dish. The ground beef or turkey gives it protein and flavor. The onion, garlic, and red bell pepper add sweetness and depth. Canned beans and tomatoes help create a rich sauce. Elbow macaroni brings the comfort, while spices like chili powder and cumin pack a punch. Lastly, the cheese on top makes it ooey-gooey and delicious. Feel free to adjust according to your taste. If you want to spice it up, add more chili powder. For a creamier texture, use more cheese. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. Enjoy! First, I heat a large skillet over medium heat. I add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. As the meat cooks, I break it apart with a spatula. I let it brown for about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, I drain it. Next, I add 1 chopped onion, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 diced red bell pepper. I sauté these veggies until they are soft, which takes about 5 minutes. Now, I stir in the spices. I use 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. I also add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture gives my dish a deep flavor. After mixing well, I pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of kidney beans, and 1 can of black beans. Finally, I add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. I stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients blend well. I bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, I reduce the heat and cover the skillet. I let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, I stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, I remove the lid. I stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. I let it melt and mix into the dish. If needed, I taste and adjust the seasoning. I serve it hot, garnished with the rest of the cheese and fresh cilantro. This adds a bright touch to my Skillet Chili Mac. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best flavor in your Skillet Chili Mac, use fresh spices. Fresh spices have more taste than old ones. Toast spices for a few seconds in the pan before adding them. This step brings out their full flavor. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra heat. If you prefer mild flavors, cut back on chili powder. Always taste as you cook. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate. Ensure your pasta is cooked just right. Add the elbow macaroni at the right time. Stir it in when you add the broth and canned goods. This way, the pasta cooks evenly with the rest of the dish. Check the pasta often, so it doesn't turn mushy. To prevent sticking and burning, keep the heat at medium. If it gets too hot, the bottom may burn. Stir the mixture well while it simmers. This keeps everything mixing and prevents it from sticking. If it looks too dry, add a little more broth. This keeps your Skillet Chili Mac creamy and delicious. For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy making this one-pan comfort meal! {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in Skillet Chili Mac. Ground beef or turkey works great, but you can use chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat. This way, you can cater to your taste or diet. For those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, try black beans or lentils. These give you protein and a hearty texture. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a twist. Adding more vegetables can boost the flavor and nutrition. Try corn, zucchini, or spinach. You can mix in any veggies you like for more color and taste. This dish is all about flexibility. Cheese is another area for fun. While cheddar is classic, mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. You can even try cream cheese for a creamy touch. Each cheese brings a new layer of flavor. Don't hesitate to get creative! For the full recipe, check out the Skillet Chili Mac recipe above. To keep your Skillet Chili Mac fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Then, refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. For freezing, place the chili mac in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. Just remember to label your container with the date. This way, you can enjoy this meal later without wondering when you made it. To reheat Skillet Chili Mac, you want to keep it tasty. The best way is to use a stovetop. Pour it into a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. If it looks dry, add a splash of water or broth. This helps bring back the creamy texture. If you choose the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out. Enjoy your warm, comfort meal just like fresh! For the full recipe, check out the original cooking guide. Can I make Skillet Chili Mac ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Skillet Chili Mac in advance. Cook the dish, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container. It will taste great when reheated. What can I serve with Skillet Chili Mac? Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with some sour cream or avocado slices. These sides add a nice touch. How long does Skillet Chili Mac keep in the fridge? It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to reheat it well before serving. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef or turkey. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. What’s a good substitute for macaroni? You can use any small pasta like penne or shells. Quinoa or rice works well too if you want a gluten-free option. In this blog post, we explored a simple and tasty Skillet Chili Mac recipe. We detailed the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips to help you succeed. You can personalize this dish with swaps and variations, making it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. With this guide, you can create a flavorful dinner that everyone will enjoy. Have fun experimenting in the kitchen and savoring the delightful results!

Skillet Chili Mac

Looking for a quick and comforting meal? Try this Skillet Chili Mac! This one-pan recipe combines ground meat, beans, and cheese for a hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to prepare and clean up. Dive into the full recipe to discover simple tips and delicious variations that make this comfort food even better. Click through to enjoy a cozy meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups beef broth

2 cups elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.

    Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, and elbow macaroni. Stir to combine all ingredients.

          Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.

            Remove the lid, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cheddar cheese on top and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings