Skillet Suppers -- The Secret to Stress-Free Weeknights

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Aug 9, 2012) - (Family Features) The busy school year means that dinner planning often gets pushed aside. Moms and dads alike may find themselves opting for the drive-thru instead of the dinner table. But that's not the only option. Homemade Quick Chili Mac Skillet was created with busy weeknights in mind. Not only is it quick and easy, it's a family-friendly and healthy dinner that you can feel good about serving.

Start with everyone's favorite elbow pasta, but not just any pasta. Choose one that offers some extra benefits that traditional pasta doesn't provide. For example, Dreamfields Elbows are made from durum wheat semolina, which ensures the taste and texture of traditional pasta, but with a nutritional boost. Five grams of fiber per 1-cup cooked serving and fewer digestible carbohydrates make it a delicious and healthy option to traditional pasta.

While the pasta cooks, brown ground beef and onion, making sure the beef is completely cooked. Stir in a pinch of chili powder for a peppery kick; add diced canned tomatoes and kidney beans -- super simple. On these time-crazed days, swapping out hand-chopping for the can opener makes a lot of sense.

Simply toss the chili with the pasta, sprinkle with cheese and serve a delicious one-dish dinner that will get the entire family back to the table. A green salad or fruit would be a great way to round out the menu.

Visit www.DreamfieldsFoods.com to find more delicious recipes and to view the instructional video on how to make Quick Chili Mac Skillet.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pan.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown ground beef and onion 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is cooked through and onions are tender, breaking beef into large crumbles. Stir in chili powder then tomatoes. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors. Add beans; heat through.

Remove skillet from heat. Toss beef mixture with pasta. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Sprinkle with cheese.

Note: If desired, ground chicken or turkey breast may be substituted for the ground beef.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe): 425 calories; 25g protein; 29g digestible carbohydrates*; 12g total fat; 4g saturated fat; 40mg cholesterol; 331mg sodium; 11g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 59g carbohydrate.

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