Chili Mac Skillet
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this irresistible Chili Mac Skillet—a one-pan wonder that combines the bold flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Made with tender ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and a perfectly spiced blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this hearty dish comes together in just 35 minutes. The magic happens as uncooked elbow macaroni simmers directly in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base, soaking up every delicious drop. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh scallions, this easy weeknight dinner is both kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, offering big flavors with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy nights, this satisfying skillet dish is destined to become a regular on your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons scallions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Drain any excess grease if needed, then add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together evenly.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, and allow the cheese to melt.
Garnish with sliced scallions if desired and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.3 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1161 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 30.0 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 324 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 608 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
