This skillet mac and cheese recipe is so delicious and packed with heartwarming ingredients the whole family will love. This chili con carne style mac and cheese is super easy to make for any home cook and takes just 40 minutes to prepare using only one skillet for easy clean-up.
Heat the oil over medium low heat in a large cast iron skillet, dutch oven or oven-safe saute pan.
Add the onions and pepper and cook until beginning to soften - about 4 minutes then add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Increase the heat to medium high and add the ground beef, breaking it up well with a wooden spoon and cook until browned.
Add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne and salt and pepper and mix well.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, corn, beans and macaroni - mixing well.
Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally - until the pasta is just tender.
Stir in half of the cheese, then sprinkle the rest on top and put in the top third of your oven with the broiler on 400 F (200 C) and allow the cheese to brown, then serve. (perfect with some jalapeno cheddar cornbread)
Recipe Notes
Don't overcook the pasta.It's essential to not over-boil the elbow macaroni before adding it to the skillet. It will cook again for another 15 to 20 minutes and become mushy instead of tender if it's over-boiled.Shred the cheeseBuy the block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself instead of the package shredded cheese for a creamier texture.