Easy Skillet Cheese Topped Chili Macaroni

Dive into the comforting flavors of this Easy Skillet Cheese Topped Chili Macaroni, a one-pan masterpiece perfect for busy weeknights. Combining the hearty goodness of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and bold spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, this dish delivers a rich, chili-inspired base. Canned beans, juicy tomatoes, and tomato sauce add texture and depth, while melted cheddar cheese creates a creamy, irresistible topping. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, this quick and flavorful recipe is ready in no time. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color, and serve this satisfying skillet meal straight to your table for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: chili macaroni recipe, easy skillet dinner, cheese topped pasta, one-pot meals, weeknight comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 15 ounces black beans or kidney beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3

Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the beef mixture evenly with the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and beans into the skillet. Stir well, ensuring the macaroni is evenly immersed in the liquid.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2616.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3521.9

Total Fat 178.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 543.2mg	0%
Sodium 6693.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 293.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.1g	0%
Total Sugars 30.2g
Protein 201.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2046.8mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 3965.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.8%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 32.8%