Hooray! It’s National Chili Day! The perfect excuse to chow down on a bowl of the fiery favourite.đ´
I did some research and was surprised to discover that although many people believe chili originated in Mexico (including myself), recent discoveries suggest that it was actually born in Texas and is a blend of Native American, Spanish and Mexican cuisines.
My Fast Fiesta Chili in a Skillet is a unique, quick and kid-friendly version of the traditional chili. It’s loaded with organic ground beef, black beans, peppers, onions, corn and pasta for that extra carbohydrate kick (plus, who doesn’t like pasta?).
While some like it hot, my family prefers it mild-ish. If you like it less spicy for your little ones, simply cut back on the chili. Want more heat? Add a dash extra!
This literally is the fastest chili I have ever made. In desperate need of a dinner one week night after work, I threw together some veggies I had in the fridge with organic ground beef, beans, pasta and salsa and voilĂ – Fast Fiesta Chili in a Skillet was born!
This is a no-fuss, one-pan recipe for busy families on the go that combines the convenience of  pre-made salsa with the protein powers of black beans and beef. It also cheekily sneaks in some vegetables that the kids barely notice. I like to use the classic macaroni or the fun ditalini pasta varieties when making the dish for my daughters.
I prefer to use an organic, chunky salsa like President’s Choice Organics Mild Salsa. If you are feeling more adventurous, go for a medium or hot salsa for an added kick of heat!
I top my Fast Fiesta Chili in a Skillet with grated old cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro for a flavourful finish. The leftovers can be easily frozen and stored for future fast week night meals!
Celebrate National Chili Day and make a big batch of my Fast Fiesta Chili in a Skillet. Super quick, convenient and kid-tested too đ
Fast Fiesta Chili in a Skillet (Serves 6)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb organic lean ground beef
- 2 medium sized peppers, chopped (I prefer red and orange/yellow)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp. chili powder (add less if you want to go milder, add more to turn up the heat!)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta
- 21â2 cups water
- 3 heaping cups organic mild salsa (I prefer extra chunky)
- 1 cup shredded/grated old cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
- Gently sautĂŠ the onion and peppers in a frying pan with some olive oil until soft
- Brown the ground beef in a separate large, deep, non-stick skillet until no longer pink
- Add onions and peppers to beef skillet
- Stir in water, salsa and chili powder and bring to a boil
- Stir in pasta and cover, lowering heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, covered, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally
- Add beans and corn, stir and cook for another 5 minutes
- Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro and serve! đ
That looks so good. I looks a little like a dish that I make that my family loves and so I am sure that it is so delicious!
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Thanks Vanessa! It is soooooo easy to make đ
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Sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
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Thanks! I hope you like it đ
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Yum! All of those fresh veggies give it such pretty colors, and I love that you added pasta! I have never thought of adding pasta to chilli. This looks amazing, I can’t wait to try it đ
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Thanks! It is seriously sooooooo easy to make. I hope you enjoy it đ
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I love chilli but I really never thought to add pasta to it either, I am going to try this. Great recipe!
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Thanks Ashley! Hope your family likes it. It is seriously sooooo simple to make đ
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I’ve never made chili mac, I’ll have to try it out! Looks really easy to make a gluten free version, I’m sure my daughter would love it.
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Thanks! Yes you could modify this recipe so easily. Hope you like it đ
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Skillet dinners are my favorite and this looks so good! I wouldn’t have thought to use salsa, but it’s a great idea. Love all the colors!
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Thanks! It is literally the easiest chili EVER đ
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This looks delicious and I love how easy it is!
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Thanks! It is literally the easiest chili EVER đ
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This chili recipe looks so easy and delicious! Definitely going to try this soon. Thanks for sharing! xo, Suzanne | http://www.suzannespiegoski.com
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Thanks Suzanne! Hope your family likes it đ
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This looks delicious and easy! And definitely faster clean up!
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Thanks! It is super quick to make. Enjoy đ
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Sounds and looks delicious can’t wait to make it!
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Thanks! Hope you like it đ
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Looks amazing. And, love that you do “National Food” days – we do the same on our site. So fun!!
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Thanks! Although we don’t have too many national food days in Canada, I like to follow ones in the US đ
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We love Mexican and this looks amazing đ Also love how quick it is to throw together!
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Thanks! It is literally one of the quickest recipes I have ever created. Hope you like it đ
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My goodness, that look SO good for a brisk chilly day in London! Need now!
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Thanks! Even English people eat chili right? Even if they spell it with 2 lls LOL đ
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OMG that looks delicious. My boyfriend will love this. Thanks for sharing đ
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Thanks! Hope he likes it đ
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This looks delicious! Happy National Chili Day!
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Thanks! Same to you đ
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excellent meal jill! it’s a great alternative to the traditional style chili recipe we grew up with – a wonderful balance of tang and sweetness while getting a good nutritional balance of protein, carbs and veggies at the same time. a thumbs up on this deal of a meal!
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My kids love chilli and I am absolutely sure they would like this version – looks delicious!
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Oh we love chili!!!
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You should try this modern take on the classic đ
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Looks really good. I love one pot dishes!!
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Thanks! A fast and modern take on the classic đ
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I seriously love chili! I can’t wait to try this out!
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Thanks! I hope you like it đ
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This looks so so good! We love chili and my husband makes it delicious! I want to try this – especially with the elbow macaroni – nice touch!
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Thanks! It is literally the easiest chili in the world! Thanks for the comment đ
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This looks so delicious! I’m pinning! đ
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Thanks! đ
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This looks super delicious and love how simple it is to make! My family would love this đ
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Thanks! I hope they like it. Thanks for the comment đ
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I am in love with this delicious-looking chilli! Your pictures are stunning. I want to eat this immediately! =) It’s going on my list of things to make this weekend. Yay!
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Thank-you Aarika! So glad you like the looks of it and really hope that you like the taste too! Enjoy and best wishes đ
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My kind of meal! Simple and delicious! I am pinning. My family will love this recipe
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Thanks Eileen! Hope you like it đ
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Looks great , I love that salsa addition:)
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Thanks! It’s the easiest child ever!
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I saw this delicious looking dish and said ‘pass me a spoon please’. It looks absolutely scrumptious.
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This looks amazing and the pictures are gorgeous!!!!
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This recipe looks fantastic! Like it would really hit the spot right about now! Thanks for sharing.
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I have made a chili mac and cheese once and this looks way better than that one! Love the salsa in it too!
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This looks amazing! Beautiful photography as well đ
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Thanks! You should try it, easiest chili EVER đ
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