I’ve got the warmest, coziest dinner recipe to share with you tonight – Skillet Chili Mac & Cheese.
With the 50s and lower set firmly in our sights for the next 5 months (or longer – SOB!) I thought now would be the perfect time to post a hearty supper recipe featuring ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, zesty spices, and elbow macaroni cooked together in one skillet. Quick, comforting, and, most important – easy to clean up!
Somewhere between spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, and chili, this dish is a total crowd pleaser.
Start the Skillet Chili Mac & Cheese by browning 1lb ground beef in a huge skillet – we’re talkin’ the biggest one you own – with 1/2 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a little salt & pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain and return everything to the skillet.
Next add 1-15oz can petite diced tomatoes that’s been slightly drained of its juices, and 6oz tomato paste, followed by 4 cups beef broth and 1 can kidney beans that has been drained & rinsed.
The tomato juices and broth will cook the pasta right in the skillet, instead of having to use a separate one to cook it in. Yet another reason why I absolutely adore these 1-skillet dishes!
Finally, add zee spices: 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon each paprika and dried cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and dried oregano.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in 2 cups large elbow macaroni.
Place a lid on top of the skillet then simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is just barely al dente. It’s ok if it still has a little bite, as it will continue to cook a bit in the piping hot liquid.
Finally, stir in 2 cups shredded 2% milk reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, which is about 7oz, until smooth. I was hesitant to try this low-fat cheese, but it melted like a dream. I would have never known it wasn’t full-fat!
Let the skillet sit and thicken for 10 minutes, then scoop and serve with extra shredded cheese, if desired (I did,) crushed tortilla chips, or chopped green onions for a fresh bite.
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Skillet Chili Mac & Cheese
Description
Skillet Chili Mac & Cheese is cheesy, spicy, and comforting! It's the best of both worlds and it comes together in just one skillet!
Ingredients
- 1lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt & pepper
- 1-15oz can petite diced tomatoes, slightly drained
- 1-6oz can tomato paste
- 1–15oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
- 2 cups large elbow macaroni, dry
- 2 cups shredded 2% milk reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- Toppings; shredded cheese, green onions, parsley, crushed tortilla chips, hot sauce
Directions
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt & pepper then cook beef until no longer pink. Drain then return to the skillet.
- Add petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, beef broth, and spices to the skillet. Bring to a boil then add macaroni noodles and place a lid on top. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until noodles are just barely al dente (do not overcook,) stirring once. Add cheese then stir until smooth. Let dish sit off the heat and thicken for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Adapted from Babble.com
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Skillet Chili Mac & Cheese is PURE comfort food! I loved topping my bowlful with extra shredded cheese and chopped green onions, but a few crushed tortilla chips would have been divine on here too.
FYI – this recipe feeds an ARMY, so halve it if you’re only feeding a small crowd. :)
Have a great night!
Krista 10.30.2012
first of all, I love the rainbow of spices in your prep bowl! the more color the better :) secondly, either your brother is REALLY TALL, or you are REALLY SHORT. or both! ;) I’m excited to make this, my husband loves chili mac. PINNED! (like 99.9% of the rest of your recipes!)
Losing Lindy 10.30.2012
That looks amazing! I will be making that soon.
Edith 10.29.2012
Was Shawn Johnson ever coached by Bela Karolyi? I don’t think so… He commented at the 2008 Olympics but her coach was Chow.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes 10.29.2012
I wanna make this but I don’t have all the ingredients and I’m stuck inside thanks to the hurricane – can’t wait to try it!
Sarah @ Scissors and a Whisk 10.29.2012
That mac and cheese looks amazing, girl!! Yum!
Oh and I didn’t party this weekend. I was over all the Halloween costumes pretty quick lol.
Lauren 10.29.2012
Yes, it was the last day of the Farmers Market this past weekend in KY as well. Hopefully you saved room for your papusa! Until next season..
PS Love the skillet mac n cheese. Wonder if quinoa might sub here for a lower cal option hmmm
Neal M 10.29.2012
Made this for dinner tonight… the family loved it! My 12 year old son had a second helping even… seal of approval…
Hannah 10.29.2012
Is your brother two feet taller than you and Ben or is that picture at a weird angle? What the what? haha beautiful family, though!
Iowa Girl Eats 10.29.2012
Haha, no he is ridiculously tall – 6’4, whereas Kerry (his wife) is around 5’3, I’m 5’2, and Ben’s about 5’10!
Sarah 10.29.2012
This looks so delicious and easy!
Taylor 10.29.2012
Ummmm drooooool! That looks amazingly delicious. I’m so sad the farmers markets are closing up for the season!
the 3volution of j3nn 10.29.2012
Comfort food at its greatest! I’d love to have a piping hot bowl of that right now during this hurricane!
Lauri 10.29.2012
This is perfect timing! As I read this entry today we are hunkering down here in Maryland battling Hurricane Sandy. Comfort food is needed and I am cooking this as we speak before we lose power!! I had to improvise with a few of the ingredients but hopefully it turns out ok – Thanks!!!
Iowa Girl Eats 10.29.2012
Stay safe out there – we’re all thinking about everyone on the east coast!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe 10.29.2012
This skillet chili mac and cheese looks so easy and comforting! I dressed up as the Paperbag Princess on Saturday – and made my own costume out of brown paper and packing tape – SO fun and I got tons of compliments on it too. I did post the requisite Instagram photo (if I’ve made you curious, you can find me @onceuponarecipe). ;) Halloween is so fun!
Katie @ Blonde Ambition 10.29.2012
It’s like mac & cheese and chili had a baby…on steroids. Love it!
Lindsey 10.29.2012
Yummy! Looks so much more rich & hearty compared to Hamburger helper! Can’t wait to try it! I want that bull dog!!
Courtney F. 10.29.2012
Oh my goose bumps! Going on the meal list! This looks like it will be a family pleaser in our house. Will probably add some cornbread on the side! YUM!
Lauren 10.29.2012
Evie is too cute! Sounds like a great weekend and way to end it all on such a delicious note. This mac and cheese skillet looks stunning. So much better than any Hamburger Helper meal I’ve seen.
Alysha @Shesontherun 10.29.2012
This looks like pure comfort food. As it dips into the 40s in WI, I need it!
Blog is the New Black 10.29.2012
Looks like another winner from IGE!
Ed 10.29.2012
That mac and cheese looks so tasty and I love how it is a take on standard mac and cheese….that bulldog is cute as all heck! Reminds me of my pup when she was just a baby!