Light Chili Mac Skillet Supper
Dive into a comforting weeknight classic with this *Light Chili Mac Skillet Supper*! This one-pan wonder combines the hearty flavors of lean ground turkey or beef, tender elbow macaroni, and zesty chili-inspired spices, all simmered together in a rich tomato base. Topped with melted reduced-fat cheddar cheese and optional fresh green onions, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that saves you time without skimping on flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with its skillet-only preparation! Perfect for busy evenings, this lighter take on chili mac will satisfy your cravings while keeping things deliciously simple.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef (90% lean or more)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Mix in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish with green onions, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
413 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.9 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 731 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.0 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.4 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 666 mg | 14% | |
*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.
