Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both quick and irresistibly delicious? Look no further than this Chili Noodle Skillet Dinner – the ultimate one-pan wonder that will have your family running to the dinner table! Imagine a perfect blend of hearty ground beef, zesty chili, tender egg noodles, and melted cheese all combined in one skillet that takes less than 40 minutes to prepare. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves a satisfying meal without the complicated cooking process, this recipe is your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion finely and set aside. Open the can of chili and diced tomatoes, and measure out the shredded cheese.
- Place a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chili, stirring to combine with the beef and onions. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, typically 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and chili mixture. Gently fold and stir to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, portioning into individual plates. Optionally, garnish with additional cheese or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure flavor without excess grease. Drain any extra fat after browning for a cleaner dish.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like sharp cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Noodle Note: Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when mixed with the chili mixture.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or use a spicy chili to elevate the dish's flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This skillet dinner reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Garnish Options: Fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can add a fresh touch to your finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
