The Easiest Skillet Chili Mac

Step 1

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 450ºF. Meanwhile, bring about 5 cups heavily salted water to a boil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the macaroni from a box of deluxe macaroni and cheese to the boiling water and cook for the minimum amount of time on the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the macaroni, then return to the skillet.

Step 3

Add the cheese sauce and 2 tablespoons pasta water, and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated. Add 1 can chili and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time as needed. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4

Bake until heated through, about 5 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil until the cheese on top is browned in spots, 1 to 2 minutes.