Arizona Skillet Dinner

Arizona Skillet Dinner Recipe - Vegetarian Cuisine from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

The Arizona Skillet Dinner is a hearty, flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Southwestern cuisine. This one-pan meal combines the simplicity of preparation with rich, bold flavors, making it a perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or a cozy meal to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of vegetables, beans, spices, and pasta, topped with melted cheese, creates a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to please a wide range of palates.

History

The Arizona Skillet Dinner is inspired by the traditional Southwestern cuisine that is known for its vibrant flavors and use of simple, hearty ingredients. This recipe, in particular, has evolved over time, incorporating elements from Mexican and American cooking to create a dish that is both familiar and unique. The use of spices like chili powder and cumin, along with ingredients such as beans and corn, reflects the cultural fusion that characterizes the region's culinary landscape.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
2 medium garlic cloves
2 tbsp chili powder
0.5 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp ground cumin seed
32 oz (907 g) canned tomatoes
15 oz (425 g) canned kidney beans
8 oz (227 g) uncooked macaroni
2 oz (57 g) shredded monterey jack cheese
10 oz (283 g) frozen corn

How to prepare

Chop the onion and green pepper.
Drain and rinse the canned beans.
Cook the macaroni according to the instructions and drain.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, and cumin; sauté for about 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the tomatoes (undrained), breaking them with a spoon.
Add the kidney beans and corn (already thawed); bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to simmer and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss in the cooked macaroni.
Sprinkle with the shredded cheese.

Variations

For a meatier version, add ground beef or turkey to the skillet along with the vegetables.
Substitute black beans or pinto beans for kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Use whole wheat macaroni for an added fiber boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture in your Arizona Skillet Dinner, consider the following tips:

- Use a high-quality, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

- Don't skip the step of sautéing the vegetables until tender; this builds a flavor base for the dish.

- Break the canned tomatoes with a spoon as you add them to the skillet to release their juices and integrate them better into the dish.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your preference for spice levels.

- Let the dish simmer uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Arizona Skillet Dinner hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for an added burst of flavor. A side of guacamole or a light salad complements the dish well, adding freshness and contrast to the rich, savory flavors.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the sautéing of vegetables and spices, which builds a flavor foundation for the dish. Simmering the ingredients together allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich, cohesive meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.

- Quinoa or rice can replace macaroni for a gluten-free option.

- Vegan cheese can be used to make the dish dairy-free.

Make Ahead Tips

The Arizona Skillet Dinner can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with colorful toppings like diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cheese for visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Arizona Skillet Dinner with a light, crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a beverage, a cold beer or a glass of iced tea complements the flavors of the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of the Arizona Skillet Dinner contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderate-calorie meal option. The balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with the high fiber content, contributes to its nutritional value and satiety level.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the macaroni, beans, and vegetables. A serving provides approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates, which supply energy for the body's daily activities. The fiber content from the beans and vegetables also aids in digestion and provides a sense of fullness.

Fats

The Arizona Skillet Dinner is relatively low in fats, with most of the fat content coming from the vegetable oil used for sautéing and the shredded cheese topping. A serving contains about 10-15 grams of fat, which includes a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using a reduced-fat cheese or less oil can further lower the fat content.

Proteins

This dish offers a good balance of proteins, with approximately 15-20 grams per serving. The proteins come from a combination of the kidney beans and cheese, providing both plant-based and dairy proteins. This mix ensures a good profile of essential amino acids necessary for body functions.

Vitamins and minerals

The Arizona Skillet Dinner is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables and beans used. It is particularly high in vitamin C from the green peppers and tomatoes, as well as iron and potassium from the beans. The dish also provides calcium from the cheese, contributing to bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may not be suitable for individuals with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. It is gluten-free, as long as gluten-free macaroni is used. Always check the labels of canned products for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, the Arizona Skillet Dinner is a nutritious, balanced meal that provides a good mix of macronutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome choice for those looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that supports a healthy diet.

Summary

The Arizona Skillet Dinner is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious meal that captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine. With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you stick to the original recipe or explore variations, this skillet dinner is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. I was at a potluck dinner at my friend Martha's house, and she had made this delicious dish called Arizona Skillet Dinner. It was a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combined ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices in a skillet. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to have the recipe.

I asked Martha where she had gotten the recipe, and she told me that she had learned it from her mother-in-law, who was from Arizona. She said that it was a family favorite and that they made it often for dinner. I begged Martha to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

I went home that night with the recipe in hand and couldn't wait to try it out. I gathered all the ingredients the next day and set to work in the kitchen. As I sautéed the ground beef with onions and garlic, the aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly. I added in the beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices, and let it all simmer together in the skillet.

When it was finally ready, I scooped some of the Arizona Skillet Dinner onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the savory beef, the sweet corn, the tangy tomatoes, and the warmth of the spices. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my kitchen.

I made the Arizona Skillet Dinner for my family that night, and they all loved it. My husband said it was one of the best meals I had ever made, and my children asked for seconds. I was thrilled that I had found such a delicious and easy recipe to add to my repertoire.

Over the years, I made the Arizona Skillet Dinner countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I would add in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. No matter how I changed it up, the dish always turned out delicious.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, and it quickly became a favorite among them as well. I loved seeing their faces light up as they tasted the Arizona Skillet Dinner for the first time, just as I had all those years ago at Martha's potluck.

As time went on, the recipe became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would make for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. It was a dish that brought my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoyed each bite.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the Arizona Skillet Dinner, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish has taught me something new about cooking and brought joy to my home.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the memories of that first taste of Arizona Skillet Dinner – a dish that has become a beloved tradition in my family and a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together.