Are you constantly on the lookout for a delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Chili - Pasta Skillet is a game - changer. In just 35 minutes, you can have a mouth - watering meal on the table that everyone will be begging for seconds of.

Let's start with the ingredients. You'll need some ground beef, which forms the base of our chili. Lean ground beef is a great choice as it's healthier but still packs a lot of flavor. Along with the beef, we'll add onions. Onions are a staple in any good chili recipe. They add a sweet and savory undertone that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Chop them up finely so they cook evenly in the skillet.

Garlic is another essential ingredient. Just a couple of cloves of minced garlic can elevate the flavor of the entire dish. Garlic has a pungent and aromatic quality that gives the chili - pasta a depth of flavor. After the onions and garlic, it's time to add the spices. Chili powder is the star here. It gives the dish that characteristic spicy kick that we all associate with chili. You can adjust the amount of chili powder according to your family's spice tolerance. Along with chili powder, add some cumin. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the chili powder and other ingredients.

Now, let's talk about the tomatoes. You can use canned diced tomatoes for convenience. They're already diced and ready to go, and they add a nice acidity to the dish. The tomatoes also help to create a thick and flavorful sauce for our pasta. After adding the tomatoes, pour in some beef broth. The beef broth not only adds more flavor but also helps to thin out the sauce a bit and gives it a nice consistency.

Once the chili base is simmering nicely, it's time to add the pasta. You can choose your favorite type of pasta. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice as it holds up well in the sauce and is easy to eat. Add the dry pasta directly to the skillet. Yes, you heard that right! You don't need to pre - cook the pasta. The liquid in the skillet will cook the pasta as it simmers. Stir everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 - 20 minutes. During this time, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender. As the pasta cooks, the flavors of the chili will meld together beautifully. You'll notice that the sauce thickens up as the pasta absorbs the liquid, creating a rich and hearty dish.

When the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, it's time to finish off the dish. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice as it melts nicely and adds a creamy and cheesy element to the chili - pasta. Let the cheese melt for a few minutes, and then give it a final stir. The melted cheese will coat the pasta and chili, making it even more delicious.

This Chili - Pasta Skillet is not only quick and easy to make but also very versatile. You can customize it according to your family's preferences. If you like it spicier, add some hot sauce or extra chili powder. If you want to add more vegetables, throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also top it with some fresh cilantro for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor.

It's a great meal for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The kids will love the combination of the spicy chili and the cheesy pasta, and the adults will appreciate the rich flavors and the ease of preparation. So, the next time you're struggling to come up with a dinner idea, give this Chili - Pasta Skillet a try. You won't be disappointed!

Moreover, this dish is also great for leftovers. You can store it in the fridge and reheat it the next day. The flavors will actually get even better as they have more time to develop. You can serve it as is or pair it with a side salad for a more balanced meal. The possibilities are endless with this amazing Chili - Pasta Skillet.

In conclusion, this Chili - Pasta Skillet is a must - try recipe for any family. It combines the best of both worlds - the deliciousness of chili and the comfort of pasta. With its quick cooking time and customizable nature, it's sure to become a regular on your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a wonderful family dinner with this amazing dish.