Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs: A Flavorful Fiesta in a Pan

Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that combines the comforting warmth of chili with the protein-packed goodness of eggs, all cooked together in a single skillet. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, a brunch that will impress, or even a surprisingly delicious dinner. It’s customizable to your liking, allowing you to adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and use whatever chili you have on hand (homemade or store-bought – no judgment!). This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this dish is such a winner:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory chili, creamy eggs, and your choice of toppings creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a plus! Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Adjust the spice level, add different toppings, and use your favorite type of chili to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
* **Hearty and Satisfying:** Packed with protein and fiber, Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences.

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **1 small onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base to the chili.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Enhances the flavor of the chili.
* **1 pound ground beef (or turkey or vegetarian crumbles):** Provides protein and substance.
* **1 teaspoon chili powder:** A key ingredient for authentic chili flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon cumin:** Adds warmth and earthiness.
* **1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Provides a smoky depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Forms the base of the chili.
* **1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained:** Adds texture and fiber.
* **1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained:** Adds texture and fiber.
* **1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth):** Helps to create a saucy consistency.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To season the chili to your liking.
* **6 large eggs:** The star of the show!
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite), sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, hot sauce.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet (preferably cast iron):** A cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and heat retention, but any large skillet will work.
* **Spatula or spoon:** For stirring the chili and cooking the eggs.
* **Measuring spoons and cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Can opener:** For opening the canned tomatoes and beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs.

**Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (or Turkey or Vegetarian Crumbles)**

* Add the ground beef (or turkey or vegetarian crumbles) to the skillet.
* Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 3: Add the Spices**

* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
* Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their flavors.

**Step 4: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth**

* Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the skillet.
* Stir to combine.

**Step 5: Simmer the Chili**

* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

**Step 6: Create Wells for the Eggs**

* Use a spoon to create six small wells in the chili, evenly spaced around the skillet. Make sure the wells are deep enough to hold the eggs.

**Step 7: Crack the Eggs into the Wells**

* Carefully crack one egg into each well.

**Step 8: Cook the Eggs**

* Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. For runny yolks, cook for less time. For firmer yolks, cook for longer.
* Alternatively, you can bake the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.

**Step 9: Add Your Favorite Toppings**

* Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.

**Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs immediately. You can serve it directly from the skillet or portion it out onto individual plates.
* Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, or with a side of toast, tortillas, or tortilla chips.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs:

* **Spice it up:** Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a spicier chili.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Use vegetarian crumbles instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Use different beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Add more vegetables:** Add chopped bell peppers, onions, celery, or carrots to the chili for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Use different cheeses:** Try different types of cheeses, such as pepper jack, queso fresco, or cotija cheese.
* **Add a dollop of guacamole:** Guacamole adds a creamy and flavorful touch.
* **Top with pickled onions:** Pickled onions add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime juice:** This adds a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Use leftover chili:** This is a great way to use up leftover chili. Simply reheat the chili in a skillet, create wells for the eggs, and cook as directed.
* **Bake it:** Instead of cooking the eggs on the stovetop, you can bake the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chili in a skillet, create wells for the eggs, and cook as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it with toast, muffins, or scones for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
* **Lunch or Dinner:** Serve it with tortillas, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a filling lunch or dinner.
* **Party Appetizer:** Serve it as a party appetizer with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear!

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion size. However, here is an approximate breakdown per serving (based on using ground beef and cheddar cheese):

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-10g

Storage Instructions

* **Leftover chili:** Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Cooked eggs:** Cooked eggs are best consumed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but they may become rubbery.

Conclusion

Skillet Chili ‘n’ Eggs is a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its customizable flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful fiesta in a pan!