Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (2024)

This Chili Mac Skillet is quick and easy dinner that is ready from start to finish in less than 30 minutes! This one is a family favorite!

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (1)

When we were growing up, this time of year was absolutely INSANE for our family.
Five of the six sisters played soccer (I was the uncoordinated sister who didn’t play), with many sisters playing in more than one league; one sister did tumbling, all six of us took piano lessons and had a large spring piano recital, and softball season started (which all six of us also played).

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (2)

Our sweet parents became a taxi service, shuttling each of us to our different activities.

To be honest, I am not sure how they kept it together during this crazy season!
I have three children myself and on busy nights, it’s a struggle to get dinner on the table.

This is a quick and easy meal is perfect for those nights when you need a dinner in a hurry. From start to finish, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less!

Related recipe: love anything chili mac? Try our Ground Beef and Macaroni Tomato Soup!

Ingredients needed to make this Chili Mac Skillet:

  • 1poundground beef
  • 1oniondiced
  • 15.5ouncespinto beansrinsed and drained
  • 8ouncestomato sauce
  • 10ouncescanned Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
  • ¾cupelbow macaroniuncooked
  • ⅓cupwater
  • ½teaspoongarlic salt
  • 1Tablespoonketchup
  • 1TablespoonWorcestershire sauce
  • 1cupshredded cheddar cheese

How to make Chili Mac Skillet:

In a large skillet pan, brown ground beef and diced onions until beef is fully cooked. Drain grease and return to skillet.

Add in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, uncooked macaroni, water, garlic salt, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring contents of pan to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes or until macaroni starts to get tender, stirring often.

Sprinkle with cheese, then cover with lid and let cheese melt. Serve warm.

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (3)

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Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (4)

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  • Skillet Lasagna
  • Zucchini Tuscan Skillet
  • Tex-Mex Ground Turkey and Rice
  • Egg and Turkey Skillet

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (5)

Serves: 6

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

This Chili Mac Skillet is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for those nights when you need a dinner in a hurry. From start to finish, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 15.5 ounces pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 10 ounces canned Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
  • ¾ cup elbow macaroni uncooked
  • cup water
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 Tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • In a large skillet pan, brown ground beef and diced onions until beef is fully cooked. Drain grease and return to skillet.

  • Add in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, uncooked macaroni, water, garlic salt, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

  • Bring contents of pan to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes or until macaroni starts to get tender, stirring often.

  • Sprinkle with cheese, then cover with lid and let cheese melt. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can also substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe!

Nutrition

Calories: 467 kcal · Carbohydrates: 39 g · Protein: 28 g · Fat: 22 g · Saturated Fat: 10 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 73 mg · Sodium: 618 mg · Potassium: 852 mg · Fiber: 9 g · Sugar: 5 g · Vitamin A: 423 IU · Vitamin C: 9 mg · Calcium: 214 mg · Iron: 4 mg

Equipment

  • Skillet

  • Wooden Spoon

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Here at Six Sisters’ Stuff, we love sharing recipes that the whole family can enjoy, which is why we think this Easy Chili Mac Skillet recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. We understand the demands of daily life and that’s why we think this recipe will come in handy during those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It combines the convenience of an easy recipe with the satisfying taste of comfort food, making it a favorite among families everywhere. It’s no wonder it remains one of our most popular recipes – the kids gobble it up, and parents love how quickly it comes together. Plus, who can resist that melty cheese on top?

The simplicity of our skillet chili mac makes it a go-to choice for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence. You can customize it to suit your family’s preferences by adding a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat, or extra cheese if one cup doesn’t cut it for you. Remember to store the leftover chili in an airtight container for later enjoyment next time your cravings kick in.

Check out the recipe card for easy instructions on how to recreate this great recipe and a breakdown of the daily values. Keep checking back for more easy dinner ideas to add to your recipe box!

Recipe slightly adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

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  1. Ksenia says:

    Sure you can. However, expect it to be very tough. Brisket is one of those types of meat that is best when co*keod slow so that the fat and cartilage have time to break down properly. If you try sauteing or frying your brisket (in olive or some other oil or in a bit of butter), be sure to cut the pieces thin and bite-size small, and don't cook the pieces for very long or they will be impossibly overco*keod, dry, and tough. It might help if you throw in some onion (for juiciness) and/or some tomato sauce (any kind you have on hand, including ketchup) to help break down the meat and make it a bit tenderer.Good luck.

  2. kami says:

    this looks amazing!!!! I cannot wait to make it!

  3. jenn o says:

    This was delish. Only changes made is that I used kidney beans(what I had on hand) and instead of rotel I used chopped tomatoes and garlic, since the kids think rotel is too hot for them.The Worcestershire sauce is what makes this dish so tasty. I doubled the cheese, we like it cheesy. perfect quick midweek meal. Will make again for sure!

  4. Amy says:

    We thought this was pretty tasty. I made it as directed with ground turkey. It definitely is a bit spicy and my kids aren't used to that, so 4/5 didn't really eat it. But, it was a welcome addition to our menu and I think I'll make it again.

  5. Lynn says:

    I just made this and it is really good. So easy and inexpensive too. I had leftover small shells so I just used those instead of buying macaroni. Definitely is a keeper and will be making again! Thanks.

  6. Kelly H. says:

    Delicious! Made this for dinner tonight and my family devoured it. No leftovers!

  7. Rose says:

    Better than my old go to chili mac recipe. There is something about the zing of the ketchup and warmth of the Worcestershire that give it that extra yumminess.

  8. Lea says:

    I dont know about you guys but this recipe is actually missing the "chili" flavor. I had to go look at some other Chili Mac recipes to see why it didn't taste all that great to me. Really needs some chili powder and cumin. This recipe just did not fit my family's expectation of Chili Mac.

  9. Colette says:

    Needed more noodles, otherwise it had good flavor

Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (6)

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Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She is a certified life coach that loves helping women become "unstuck" in their lives and is the host of the podcast "Moms On The Rise". She also loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

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Chili Mac Skillet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between goulash and chili mac? ›

What's the Difference Between Chili Mac and Goulash? Chili mac is very similar to American goulash — a one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. American goulash, however, doesn't call for evaporated milk, and also isn't made with beans.

Is chili mac a Midwest thing? ›

It is a common dish in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States, and is also popular in other areas of the United States.

What mac and cheese does chili's use? ›

Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese.

Which ground beef is better for chili? ›

Use lean beef, but not super lean meat. The best ground beef for chili has some fat, so 85% lean is ideal. Don't be tempted to use extra-lean beef or drain off the fat after browning the meat. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, which adds richness to the sauce and keeps the meat moist.

What is another name for a Chili Mac? ›

American Chop Suey (Macaroni, Beef, and Cheese Skillet Casserole) Recipe. Beefaroni, chili mac, Johnny Marzetti: whatever you call it, this stuff is delicious.

What state is known for the best chili? ›

Texas: Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is the original chili. Call it Texas red, traditional red, or bowl of red, but don't even think about adding beans if you want to cook chili like a true Texan.

What is the chili capital of the United States? ›

New Mexicans Know Our Chile. For hundreds of years, New Mexicans have perfected the art of growing exquisite chiles from our rocky, rugged soil. Mastering this land has given our chile its unparalleled, world-famous flavor that you just can't find anywhere else.

Is goulash the same as beefaroni? ›

Beefaroni is the same thing as American Goulash – the difference in what you call it is mostly regional.

What do Southerners eat with chili? ›

Red or White Onions: Finely diced, they add a punch of flavor and a crunchy texture. Bacon Bits: These add a smoky flavor and crispy texture that's especially great with meaty chilis. Cornbread Crumbles: A southern favorite, crumbled cornbread soaks up the flavors and offers a sweet contrast.

Is chili mac discontinued? ›

We're sorry our Chili Mac has been discontinued.

How do you thicken chili on a Mac? ›

How to Thicken Chili
  1. Simmer down. ...
  2. Stir in some finely ground cornmeal or masa harina. ...
  3. Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats. ...
  4. Pile on the vegetables. ...
  5. Try more tomato paste. ...
  6. Mash some beans. ...
  7. Crumble up some corn chips.
Oct 28, 2023

Does chilis skillet queso have meat in it? ›

Original queso with beef. Served with chips & fresh salsa. Notice: Approximate pre-cooked weights, actual weight may vary. May be cooked to order.

What is in Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 lb small elbow pasta.
  2. 4 cups whole milk.
  3. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  6. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  7. 2 cups bacon bits.
  8. ½ cup bread crumbs, toasted.
May 4, 2023

What is chili mac made of? ›

Chili Mac Ingredients

Ground beef — I use lean beef in this. You can also use ground chicken or turkey. Beans — Both red kidney beans and black beans, but you can substitute with any you like. Tomato based ingredients for the best Chili sauce — crushed tomatoes AND tomato puree (aka Passata in Australia).

What exactly is goulash? ›

Goulash (Hungarian: gulyás) is a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originating in Hungary, goulash is a common meal predominantly eaten in Central Europe but also in other parts of Europe. It is one of the national dishes of Hungary and a symbol of the country.

Why is American goulash different? ›

American goulash is a one-pot dish of ground beef, pasta (often elbow macaroni), tomatoes and cheese. Sometimes it includes paprika, like its Hungarian counterpart. Since American goulash calls for ground beef, it cooks much faster than Hungarian goulash which relies on low-and-slow cooking to render the beef tender.

What is Chili Mac made of? ›

Chili Mac Ingredients

Ground beef — I use lean beef in this. You can also use ground chicken or turkey. Beans — Both red kidney beans and black beans, but you can substitute with any you like. Tomato based ingredients for the best Chili sauce — crushed tomatoes AND tomato puree (aka Passata in Australia).

What is goulash called in America? ›

American goulash, sometimes called slumgullion, American Chop Suey, or even Beef-a-Roni, is an American comfort-food dish popular in the Midwest and South.

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