Skillet Chili Mac With Beef And Beans Recipe

This chili mac is a snap to make on the stovetop, and it's especially convenient because it's a one-pot meal. The mixture of macaroni, cheese, ground beef, and beans makes a tasty everyday family meal. Everything is cooked together in the skillet making it fuss-free. The skillet method eliminates extra pans and utensils, making cleanup a breeze. The dish is not only easy and convenient; it's versatile, too. Leave the beans out if you'd like or replace them with an undrained can of diced tomatoes. Or use black beans or pinto beans in the dish. If you don't use beans, add an extra 1/2 cup of water. For some extra heat, use part or all pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. For a cheesier macaroni dish, feel free to add another cup of shredded cheese. The dish is quite versatile as well. Saute some sliced mushrooms in a few tablespoons of butter and add them to the beef and onions. Or add canned sliced mushrooms. For complementary flavor and color, add about 1/2 cup of diced red and green bell peppers. If you crave heat, add minced jalapeno peppers or a bit of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. The chili mac makes a satisfying meal with crusty bread or cornbread and a simple tossed salad or spring greens.