Include This Beef Classic in Your Back To School Menu – Easy Skillet Chili Mac

It’s hard to believe it, but here we are! Another summer has flown by and our minds are awhirl with back-to-school lists, upcoming schedule changes, and the busy day-to-day tasks that all of us moms are just trying to keep up with. Before I had children, I never could have imagined how often I would think about meals! The recipe planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparations are constant. Now that three of my boys are school aged and need to keep up their strength more than ever throughout the long days, I almost always aim for filling and healthy recipes that will also provide plenty of food for my family of six. It brings me so much joy to fill their bellies at the end of a long day while making sure their nutritional needs are met.

This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

Beef recipes have become a staple for my family of growing boys because of the protein they provide.

A higher protein diet helps satisfy hunger for longer. It’s so important to fill our kids(and ourselves!) up with nutritious meals not only to be our healthiest selves, but also because it can prevent overeating and snacking on empty calories later on.

Protein helps support strong, lean bodies. Eating at least 4 ounces of high-quality protein from foods like beef at each meal gives your body the energy it needs to lead an active lifestyle. Making sure our families have the fuel that they need is a huge priority!

Protein may help cut the fat. Research has shown exercise is more effective for weight management when paired with a higher-protein diet, and beef provides the amino acids necessary for building and replenishing muscles.

This beefy and hearty Chili Mac recipe is perfect for your weeknight dinner rotation as the kids head back to school. I double the recipe so that we have leftovers and use gluten-free pasta but you can also use the same amount of regular macaroni noodles if you prefer. There’s nothing like cooking once and dining twice, especially during the back-to-school season! This Chili-Mac is a delicious way to end a busy fall day and will keep the whole family satisfied.

Easy Skillet Chili-Mac

30 minutes

4 servings

420 cal

35g Protein

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
1 can (15 to 16 ounces) chili beans in chili sauce
1.5 cups thick and chunky salsa
½ cup water
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni, warmed

Instructions:

1. Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and cook 8-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Break it up into crumbles while stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary.

2. Stir in beans, salsa, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in cilantro.

3. Serve beef mixture over macaroni.