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Don’t let that delicious leftover chili recipe go to waste! Transform it into something new and exciting. This easy Skillet Chili Mac is the perfect way to give your chili a second life, creating a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal the whole family will love. It’s a simple, comforting dish that comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Chili Recipe
This leftover chili recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite chili all over again.
- Super Quick Dinner: This meal comes together in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Reduces Food Waste: Give your leftover chili new life instead of letting it languish in the fridge. The EPA highlights that reducing food waste offers significant environmental benefits by conserving resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Hearty & Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful, cheesy pasta dish.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients and seasonings to perfectly match your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious skillet chili mac. This leftover chili recipe is flexible, so feel free to adapt it to what you have on hand.
- Elbow macaroni: 1 cup, dry
- Leftover chili: 2 cups, prepared
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/3 cup (or more, to taste)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing aromatics)
- Onion, diced: 1/2 (optional, for added flavor)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (optional, for extra depth)
- Water or broth: 1/4 – 1/2 cup (as needed, for consistency)
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to use any small pasta shape you enjoy, such as shells, ditalini, or rotini.
- Chili: Any type of leftover chili recipe works here – beef, turkey, vegetarian, or spicy.
- Cheese: Colby, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even pepper jack will melt beautifully and add great flavor.
- Aromatics: Diced onion and minced garlic are optional but elevate the flavor profile considerably.
- Liquid: Use water, beef broth, or vegetable broth to thin the chili mac to your desired creaminess.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy chili mac. Get ready with these kitchen essentials:
- Large skillet: A 10 or 12-inch skillet works best (oven-safe if you plan to bake it).
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta to perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
How to Make Skillet Chili Mac (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Turning your leftover chili recipe into a brand-new meal is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a comforting Skillet Chili Mac that will become a weeknight favorite.
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Cook Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and set it aside for a moment.
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If you’re adding extra flavor, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent.
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Add Garlic (Optional): Stir in the minced garlic with the softened onions. Cook for just another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter quickly.
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Combine Chili & Pasta: Add your prepared leftover chili recipe directly to the skillet with the cooked aromatics (if using) or just to an empty skillet if you skipped the sauté step. Then, add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet as well.
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Heat Through: Stir the chili and pasta gently to combine them thoroughly. Continue to heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is warm and simmering. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Adjust Consistency: If your chili mac looks a little too thick or dry, now is the time to adjust its consistency. Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water or broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess. Stir well to incorporate the liquid.
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Stir in Cheese: Once the chili mac is heated through and the consistency is perfect, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated, creating a gooey, cheesy coating on the pasta and chili.
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Serve Hot: Divide the Skillet Chili Mac into serving bowls immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy your warm and comforting meal right away!
Pro Tips for the Best Leftover Chili Recipe
Elevate your Skillet Chili Mac with these expert tips, turning a simple leftover chili recipe into something truly special.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your macaroni to al dente. It will finish cooking in the skillet, ensuring it stays firm, not mushy.
- Adjust Chili Consistency: If your chili is very thick, add a splash of broth or water when heating it with the pasta for a creamier texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese if possible; it melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of hot sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a touch more cumin can really brighten the flavors.
- Troubleshooting: If too dry, add more broth. If too soupy, simmer gently to reduce excess liquid before adding cheese.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile leftover chili recipe offers many options for serving, storing, and creative variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Enhance your chili mac with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh green onions, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a few crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Sides: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a warm slice of cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the cheese texture might change upon reheating.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and restore creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Different Pasta: Experiment with other small pasta shapes like penne, medium shells, or rotini for a different texture.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in corn, diced bell peppers, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of heating for added nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra hot sauce to your chili mac.
- Baked Version: For a cheesy crust, transfer the heated chili mac to an oven-safe dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Other Leftover Chili Ideas: Beyond chili mac, consider making chili dogs, loaded chili nachos, chili quesadillas, or stuffed baked potatoes with your leftover chili.
Nutrition Information
This leftover chili recipe for Skillet Chili Mac makes a hearty, satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Estimate Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-600 |
| Protein (g) | 25-35 |
| Fat (g) | 15-25 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 40-50 |
| Fiber (g) | 5-8 |
Disclaimer: Nutrition estimates for this Skillet Chili Mac can vary significantly. Factors like the type of chili used (beef, turkey, vegetarian), the amount and type of cheese, and exact portion sizes will all influence the final nutritional values. This table provides a general estimate for a comforting, homemade meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’ve got questions about this leftover chili recipe, and we have the answers!
- Can I use any type of leftover chili? Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with any kind of chili, whether it’s beef, turkey, vegetarian, or a spicy bean chili.
- Can I make this chili mac ahead? You can prepare the components separately, but it’s best assembled and served fresh. The pasta can get mushy if combined too far in advance.
- How to make chili mac creamier? Add a splash of broth or water during reheating, or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Can I freeze leftover chili mac? Freezing is not ideal as the pasta often becomes mushy and the cheese separates upon thawing and reheating.
- What are other uses for leftover chili? Besides chili mac, try making chili dogs, nachos, quesadillas, or loading up baked potatoes with your delicious leftover chili.
Conclusion
This ultimate leftover chili recipe transforms a simple dish into an incredibly satisfying Skillet Chili Mac. It’s a testament to how easily you can reinvent meals, saving time and reducing food waste. This quick, comforting, and family-friendly recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of transforming your leftovers into a whole new level of deliciousness.
Equipment
- Large skillet Preferably oven-safe if baking.
- large pot For boiling pasta.
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, dry
- 2 cups leftover chili
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup water or broth, as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- If using aromatics, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Add leftover chili and the drained pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat over medium-low for 5–7 minutes.
- Adjust consistency by adding 1/4–1/2 cup of water or broth as needed for a creamy texture.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add shredded cheddar and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
