Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac: Your Ultimate One-Pan, 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Indulge in the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods with our Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac. This incredibly easy, one-pan dinner brings together hearty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese, satisfying the whole family in just 20 minutes!
Life can get incredibly busy, and after a long day of work, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated recipe that leaves a mountain of dishes to tackle. That’s precisely why one-pan dinners have become an absolute lifesaver in our kitchen. They offer the perfect trifecta: quick preparation, minimal cleanup, and incredible flavor. My son, for instance, practically has our Taco Pasta Skillet on repeat whenever I ask for dinner ideas, proving just how much our family loves these fuss-free meals.
This Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac recipe is set to become another cherished household staple. It’s bursting with rich, savory flavor and comes together in practically no time at all. You’ll love how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, and your family will adore every cheesy, chili-infused bite. Imagine a hearty, wholesome dinner on the table in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Say goodbye to endless scrubbing and hello to more quality time around the dinner table, enjoying a delicious homemade meal.
What is Chili Mac and Why It’s a Family Favorite
At its core, Chili Mac is a brilliant fusion of two ultimate comfort foods: hearty chili and classic macaroni and cheese. Imagine the rich, spiced flavors of your favorite homemade chili — savory ground beef, robust tomato sauce, and a medley of warming spices like chili powder and cumin — combined with tender pasta and an abundance of melted, gooey cheese. It’s a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an instant hit for any weeknight dinner.
What truly sets our Skillet Chili Mac apart is its ingenious one-pan preparation. Unlike many recipes that require cooking chili in one pot and pasta in another, then combining them, this method simplifies everything. You start by browning the ground beef and softening the onions directly in your large skillet. Then, you incorporate all the chili spices, tomato sauce, milk, and crucially, the uncooked pasta. Everything simmers together in one pan, allowing the pasta to absorb all those wonderful chili flavors as it cooks. This not only infuses every single noodle with incredible taste but also dramatically cuts down on cleanup – a win-win for busy cooks. The final, magical touch is stirring in copious amounts of cheddar cheese, transforming the dish into a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that everyone, from toddlers to adults, will crave.
Historically, variations of chili mac can be found across different regions, often appearing as “Cincinnati Chili” served over spaghetti, or as a more straightforward ground beef and pasta casserole. Our skillet version brings that same deeply satisfying experience but optimized for speed and unparalleled simplicity, making it accessible even on the most frantic weeknights. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting without hours of work.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac
Creating this delicious Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need and why these components are so important for a truly outstanding dish:
- Ground Beef: This is the hearty foundation of our chili. We recommend a lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) to ensure a rich flavor while minimizing excess grease. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for any good chili. Finely chopped onion softens to provide a sweet depth and body to the sauce, while minced garlic adds that unmistakable pungent warmth and a layer of savory complexity.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: These two spices are the absolute stars of the chili blend, providing the signature earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy notes that define classic chili. Their robust flavors are what make this dish so comforting and familiar.
- Ground Cayenne: For those who love a bit of heat, cayenne pepper delivers a pleasant, gentle kick. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount based on your personal spice tolerance. For a milder version, you can omit it entirely or use just a tiny pinch.
- Brown Sugar: A small but mighty ingredient! A touch of brown sugar subtly balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhances the overall depth of flavor, adding a hint of sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce: This provides the rich, tangy backbone of the chili, contributing to the saucy texture and that classic, comforting chili taste. Choose a good quality canned tomato sauce for the best results.
- Milk: Crucial for achieving that wonderfully creamy texture! Milk helps cook the pasta gently and forms the luxurious base for our cheesy sauce. Whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness, but you can use skim in a pinch.
- Short-Cut Pasta: The ideal pasta for this dish needs to be able to cook evenly in the skillet and hold the sauce well. Penne, elbow macaroni, rotini, or even medium shells all work wonderfully. Their shapes capture the cheesy chili sauce in every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: The “cheesy” in Chili Mac! Shredded cheddar melts beautifully to create a gooey, irresistible sauce that binds all the flavors together. For the creamiest results, freshly grated cheese often melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
Having these quality ingredients on hand ensures your skillet chili mac will be nothing short of spectacular. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite type of cheese or adjust the spice levels to perfectly suit your family’s taste buds!
What Goes with Chili Mac: Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
While our Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, a few simple sides can elevate it into a truly complete and well-rounded meal. These pairings offer a fantastic contrast in texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience:
- Simple Tossed Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili mac. It adds a welcome burst of freshness and essential vegetables to your plate, cleansing the palate between savory bites.
- Warm Cornbread: A quintessential pairing with chili, warm, buttery cornbread is absolutely perfect for soaking up all that delicious, cheesy sauce. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture is a delightful match for the robust flavors of the chili mac.
- Roasted Asparagus: For a touch of elegant green vegetable goodness, roasted asparagus is quick, easy, and adds a sophisticated side that complements the savory notes of the dish without overpowering it. A drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all it needs.
- Fluffy Biscuits: Similar to cornbread, warm, tender, and buttery biscuits are excellent for scooping up the chili mac. They add a comforting, homey touch to the meal and are incredibly easy to make from scratch or a mix.
- Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots: Who can resist dipping crusty, garlicky bread into a cheesy, saucy dish? It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying addition that brings extra flavor and texture.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and perhaps a squeeze of lemon provide a simple, healthy side that won’t compete with the main dish’s bold flavors.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can offer a cool, tangy crunch that’s a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced chili mac.
How to Make Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making this Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the busiest nights. The beauty of this one-pan approach is its efficiency, combining steps to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps for a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction:
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Begin by placing a large, deep skillet (a 12-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works best) over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and crumbled, and the onions are soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. While lean beef might not produce much grease, removing any excess ensures a cleaner flavor.
- Sauté the Garlic: Push the cooked beef and onions to one side of the skillet, creating a small space. Add the minced garlic to this empty spot. Stir it in the residual oil (or a tiny bit of fresh oil if the pan is too dry) and let it cook for about 1 minute, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. This quick sauté prevents the garlic from burning while allowing its pungent aroma and flavor to fully develop before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Build the Chili Base: Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry spices to build the chili flavor. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, ground cayenne (if using), and brown sugar over the beef and onion mixture. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step, known as “toasting” the spices, deepens their flavor and releases their full aromatic potential.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce and milk, then add the uncooked short-cut pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Ensure no pasta is sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan at this stage.
- Simmer to Cook Pasta: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a rich sauce. Make sure to stir it a few times throughout the cooking process (every 2-3 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure it cooks evenly. It’s crucial to maintain a gentle simmer; a vigorous boil can cause the milk to curdle, resulting in a less creamy sauce.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a rich, creamy, and wonderfully gooey sauce that coats every piece of pasta. The residual heat from the skillet will be sufficient to melt the cheese beautifully.
- Serve with Toppings: Dish out your delicious Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac immediately while it’s hot and fresh. For an extra flourish and personalized touch, serve it with your favorite chili toppings. Common and highly recommended additions include a generous dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions (scallions), fresh cilantro, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or corn chips for added crunch. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
One-pan dinners like this Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac are truly a godsend for busy weeknights. The magic isn’t just in the speed of cooking, but also in the minimal cleanup required, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans. This recipe is designed to bring joy and ease to your dinner routine, making delicious home-cooked meals achievable even when time is short.
Customization Tips and Variations for Your Skillet Chili Mac
One of the best things about this Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac is how incredibly adaptable it is to your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Adjusting the Spice Level: As mentioned, the amount of cayenne pepper is completely adjustable. For a milder dish, simply reduce or omit it entirely. If you crave more heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Boosting with Vegetables: Easily increase the nutritional value and add more texture by incorporating finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), corn (fresh, frozen, or canned), or black beans along with the tomato sauce. If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding to remove excess sodium. You can also sneak in some finely chopped carrots or zucchini.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, don’t limit yourself! Try a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack (for an extra kick), or even a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different flavor profile and gooey texture. A smoky Gouda could also be a surprisingly delicious addition.
- Pasta Alternatives: Any short-cut pasta will work beautifully. Elbow macaroni is traditional for a mac and cheese feel, but penne, rotini, fusilli, or medium shells are excellent choices for their ability to hold the rich sauce. For a healthier option, you can even use whole wheat pasta, though cooking times might vary slightly.
- Adding Smoky Depth: If you want to enhance the smoky notes of the chili, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the chili powder and cumin. A small amount of liquid smoke (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) can also add a robust, outdoorsy flavor.
- Alternative Proteins: For a lighter alternative or if you simply prefer other meats, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef. Just be sure to season them well, as they can be milder in flavor. Plant-based ground meat substitutes also work well for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Toppings: Beyond the suggested sour cream, cheese, and green onions, consider crushed Fritos for a salty crunch, pickled jalapeños for tang and heat, or a drizzle of avocado cream.
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac
This Skillet Chili Mac tastes fantastic as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches for the week or enjoying a second round for dinner. To store, allow the Chili Mac to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any leftover portions to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures its freshness and prevents spoilage.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of easy options. You can use a microwave for a quick warm-up: simply place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, for a stovetop reheat, transfer the leftovers to a non-stick pan over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir gently and continuously until the Chili Mac is warmed through and creamy again. Both methods will bring your delicious Chili Mac back to life, making busy days even easier.
So go ahead, add this fantastic Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac recipe to your menu this week! You’ll be met with happy kids and adults alike, and the knowledge that you’ve prepared a delicious, wholesome, and incredibly easy meal with minimal fuss. Plus, the leftovers are an absolute treat for lunch the next day, saving you even more time and effort during busy workdays. It’s a versatile dish that promises comfort and convenience in every single bite.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Love
If you’re a fan of quick, delicious, and easy weeknight meals that bring comfort and joy to your family, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our collection. They’re perfect for keeping your family fed and happy without the stress or extensive time commitment!
- One Pan Spinach Chicken Alfredo
- Old-Fashioned Goulash
- Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
- Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
- Mexican Skillet Potatoes
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Southwest Baked Chicken
Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
5
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Equipment
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Pot and Pan Set (or a Large Skillet)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 14 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 1/3 cup milk
- 3 cups short cut pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, plus more for serving
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef and finely chopped onion together over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat, until cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.1 pound ground beef, 1 cup onion
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Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.3 cloves garlic
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and brown sugar. Cook for 30 seconds, then add tomato sauce, milk, and uncooked pasta. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and the pasta is mostly submerged.1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder, 1 Tablespoon cumin, 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 14 oz can tomato sauce, 2 1/3 cup milk, 3 cups short cut pasta
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Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
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Serve immediately with additional cheese, sour cream, green onions, or any other desired chili toppings. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 41g |
Protein: 43g |
Fat: 31g |
Saturated Fat: 14g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 126mg |
Sodium: 874mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
5
621
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