This Chili Mac Skillet is a quick and inexpensive meal. Macaroni, ground beef, pinto beans, canned or your own leftover chili and cheese. A childhood family favorite!
I love easy weeknight meals. don’t you? Especially one that my kids gobble up, like this Chili Mac!
My mom always made this when we were kids. I made it for years, until Campbell’s discontinued the soup we always used in it, called Chili Beef Soup. I figured there was no way it could possible taste the same without it… so why bother?
Then Mom told me she had been making it using canned chili. I make chili all of the time, but I can honestly tell you I have never, in my life, purchased a can of chili. What the heck, I figured I would give it a go!
I doctored it a bit to our taste, and when the kids rushed in for dinner, they said “This stuff? I REMEMBER THIS! – You haven’t made this in a long time!”
Big Mama Grins.
Great use for leftover chili – Wendy’s Original Taco Salad, with their famous chili over lettuce, tortilla chips, tomatoes and cheese.
Uses for Leftover Chili:
Whenever I make a batch of chili, I always make a BIG BATCH of Chili. I always have plenty left over. I have found lots of ways to repurpose left over chili over the years. Some of my favorite ways are listed here.
- Copy Cat Wendy’s Original Taco Salad
- The Best Chili Cheese Dogs
- Chili Cheese Bean Dip
- Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs
- Smokey Chili Potato Bites
Chili and Cheese Bean Dip is a warm refried bean dip, baked up with chili and cheese. Make with leftover chili or canned. Serve with corn or tortilla chips.
Of course the BEST thing about this, is how good it tastes. But as a busy parent, I love that it’s easy, too. I already mentioned, it can be as easy as just opening a couple of cans, or using up some leftovers. But the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes.
30 minute meals –
30 minute meals are my favorite!! I can’t call this a one pan meal, because you do have to prepare the pasta separately. But once it’s all mixed together, you can serve it right out of the skillet. Plus the leftovers are incredible!
Skillet Meals are weeknight saviors. What are your go-tos? Here are mine, in addition to this Chili Mac!
- Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet
- Skillet Lasagna
- Stuffed Pepper Skillet
- Kielbasa Fried Rice
- Skillet Red Beans and Rice
- Beef & Rice Skillet Meal
Let’s make some Chili Macaroni!!
Chili Mac Skillet
This Chili Mac Skillet is a quick and inexpensive meal. Macaroni, ground beef, pinto beans, canned or your own leftover chili and cheese. A childhood family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped small
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1 (10.75 oz) can tomato soup + 1/2 can water
- 1 (15 oz) can of chili with beans
- 1 (15 oz) can Pinto beans, drained
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 6-8 slices American cheese
Instructions
Prepare pasta according to package instructions, rinse and set aside.
Meanwhile, brown ground beef with onion over medium-high heat. Drain any excess drippings.
Add chili powder, soup, water, chili, and beans. Stir. Salt and pepper to taste.
Fold in macaroni.
Turn heat down to low. Top with slices of American cheese, place lid on skillet until cheese melts. Serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1009mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 37g
Nutrition isn't guaranteed accurate.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela
Adam J. Holland says
I never, ever agree with beans and chili in the same dish — except for this! Outstanding, my friend! Totally fun and weeknight friendly. (Not to mention, it looks delicious!)
Michaela Kenkel says
You don’t like beans in your chili?? I didn’t whenI was a kid .. but now I dump all kinds of them in there!
Sylvie says
I love how easy and quick this recipe is, perfect for a week night dinner when you dont want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want to prepare something fully homemade!
Adrianne says
I love a good bowl of pasta and beans. This recipe ticks a lot of boxes. I will have to give it a go. Saving for a comfort food craving day!!
Jamie says
I love these hearty, one pot meals! So easy and simple to make!
Suzy says
When I want comfort food, I make this!
Sonal says
I am Always looking for new Mac n cheese recipes. This is a great comfort meal for busy nights.
Lynn Elliott Vining says
So simple and quick to put together! Love it!
Brandi Burgess says
This totally brings me back to my childhood!!! Love this Chili Mac Skillet Meal!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Yummy! So hearty and so comforting!
Emily says
This recipe looks great- I’ve never actually made chili mac before but want to try this recipe out soon!
Heidy L. McCallum says
My children loved your recipe for chili mac, not even one complaint out of their mouths. Who knew chili make could keep them perfectly silent lol! Bookmarking to make again.
Meghna says
Awesome combo, terrific flavors! Making it tonight for my chili and mac loving family 🙂
Tawnie Kroll says
Ultimate comfort food!! Thank you for a yummy recipe!
Diane Baker says
Sounds great and like you were able to keep a family recipe
alive 😉 Great Comfort Food too …
Hadia says
Your” CHILI MAC SKILLET” soubds amazing, I am definitely going to try it!
Ann Krause says
Such an easy, family friendly meal!
Misbah says
Lovly comfort food
Danielle says
I would love your chili recipe!
Michaela Kenkel says
Danielle – This is my Three Bean Chili, I hope you like it! 🙂 https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/three-bean-chili/