Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel from Maxivore.com, and I’m about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake! This dish is an insane explosion of comfort, chaos, and pure deliciousness that’s going to have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Warning: This recipe may cause serious food jealousy, so get ready to make your friends and family drool. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake
This Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake is the ultimate comfort food that takes your chili game to the next level. Imagine a rich, hearty chili base loaded with smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips – all baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. It’s the kind of dish that’s gonna have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). The best part? This recipe is so easy to throw together, but the flavors are absolutely sensational. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying your own cravings, this skillet bake is the ultimate in comfort chaos. Get ready to smash this epic dish and become the culinary legend you were born to be!
Ingredients
To make this Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, diced onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, pinto beans, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips. These simple yet incredible components come together to create a flavor explosion that’s truly out of this world. Get ready to devour this insane dish!
- 1 lb (450g) – Ground beef
- 1 cup (150g) – Diced onions
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1 tsp – Cumin
- 1 tsp – Paprika
- 1 (28 oz / 800g) can – Crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) – Beef broth
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can – Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (100g) – Tortilla chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beans: You can try swapping out the pinto beans for kidney or black beans (or a combination) for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties, like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend, to add even more flavor.
How to Make Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake
Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake!
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Let’s start by getting everything prepped and ready to go. First, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then drain and crumble it. Set the bacon aside for now. Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to break it up as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat and transfer it to a bowl.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, until the aroma is just heavenly. Now, it’s time to season this bad boy! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and give it a good stir to coat the onions and garlic.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Next, add the cooked ground beef and pinto beans, and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the chili is ready, transfer it to a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet or baking dish. Top the chili with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
Finally, add a generous layer of tortilla chips on top of the cheese, pressing them down lightly to help them stick. This is where the magic really happens, folks!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Toppings: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could try topping this Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or even some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Swap: You could also experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend, to really amp up the flavor.
- Bean Swap: Try swapping out the pinto beans for kidney or black beans, or even a combination of all three.
- Extra Crunch: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, try sprinkling some crushed Doritos or Fritos on top of the dish before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh, crisp salad or some warm, crusty bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the skillet back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish, but it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind. A single serving packs a hefty punch of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, thanks to the ground beef, beans, and veggies. However, it’s also high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the bacon and cheese.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 1,035 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping or making in advance. Simply assemble the chili and toppings, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, pop the skillet in the oven and let the magic happen.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You bet! While the shredded cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties. Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be incredible additions to this epic skillet bake.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Of course! To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. For a vegan version, nix the cheese and bacon, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or a creamy cashew sauce instead.
Can I freeze this Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer the chili to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What should I serve with this skillet bake?
The possibilities are endless! This Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs perfectly with a fresh, crisp salad, some warm, crusty bread, or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Get creative and let your taste buds lead the way!
Try These Next
- Creamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake With Garlic Crunch
- Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins With Smoky Ranch Dip
- Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake
Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake is a hearty, one-pan dish perfect for cozy nights. It’s packed with flavors from crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a spicy chili mix, making it an ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (10 oz) chili seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
– Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
2. 2. In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. 4. Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. 5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. 6. Sprinkle cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the chili mixture.
7. 7. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with sour cream and chopped chives.
Notes
– For extra heat, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce!
– This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili, skillet, bake, comfort food, bacon, cheese