Why You’ll Love this Cheesy One-Pan Chili Skillet
Why struggle with multiple dirty dishes when you can create this comforting masterpiece in just one pan? This magical skillet combines hearty chili with a golden Bisquick crust and mountains of melty cheese—pure comfort food magic with minimal cleanup.
I’m obsessed with how the Bisquick creates this fluffy, biscuit-like ring around the savory chili center. It’s like a built-in dipper for the gooey goodness inside. Perfect for busy weeknights when I want something that feels homemade but doesn’t require me to channel my inner kitchen wizard. The double hit of cheese? Non-negotiable deliciousness.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy One-Pan Chili Skillet?
This recipe keeps ingredients simple yet satisfying, focusing on pantry staples that transform into a comforting meal with minimal effort. The beauty lies in how these everyday ingredients come together to create something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I’m particularly fond of how the Bisquick creates a golden crown around the chili—it’s like having built-in bread for dipping right in the dish.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chili with beans
- 1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Cooking spray for the skillet
When shopping for ingredients, feel free to customize based on what you prefer. Want a spicier dish? Choose a hot variety of canned chili. Need to watch dairy intake? Low-fat cheese melts beautifully here too. The recipe doesn’t specify what type of milk to use, so whatever you have in your fridge—whole, 2%, or even plant-based—should work just fine for mixing with the Bisquick. And speaking of that baking mix, it’s truly the secret weapon that elevates this dish from basic chili to something company-worthy without any extra effort.
How to Make this Cheesy One-Pan Chili Skillet
Making this comforting skillet meal couldn’t be simpler, and the best part? You’ll only have one pan to wash afterward. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—this higher temperature guarantees that beautiful golden crust we’re looking for.
Then grab a 10-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron works beautifully here) and give it a good coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Nobody wants to chip away at stuck-on cheese later, right?
Next, pour your 2 cans of chili with beans into the skillet and warm it over medium heat, giving it an occasional stir until you see it start to simmer. The warming step is essential because it guarantees the chili is heated through before the baking process begins.
Once it’s bubbling gently, remove it from the heat and let it stand while you prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Bisquick, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 beaten egg until smooth. This batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but fluid enough to spread slightly.
Now comes the fun part—spoon this batter in a ring around the outer edge of the chili, creating what’ll become a crown of cornbread-like crust. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (remember, we’re dividing an 8-ounce package) over just the batter portion.
For an even smoother chili base, you could use a professional Vitamix blender to purée some of the beans before adding them to the skillet.
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
The moment of truth comes when you remove it from the oven—immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the center of the chili so it melts into gooey perfection. Resist the urge to dig in right away (though the aroma might make this challenging).
Let the skillet stand for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and the dish to set up slightly, making it easier to serve. This brief rest period is the perfect time to pour drinks or toss together a quick side salad.
Cheesy One-Pan Chili Skillet Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this skillet dish is absolutely mouthwatering, one of the best things about homestyle cooking is making it your own.
Don’t have Bisquick? Regular flour mixed with a bit of baking powder works in a pinch. Vegetarian? Swap in meatless chili. The cheese possibilities are endless—pepper jack adds heat, Mexican blend brings complexity, or even a smoked gouda for depth.
Consider adding corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños to the chili before topping.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of green onions finish it perfectly.
What to Serve with Cheesy One-Pan Chili Skillet
When you’ve got a bubbling, cheesy one-pan chili skillet coming out of the oven, what complements this hearty centerpiece?
I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of cool sour cream and sliced avocado offers creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
For drinks, nothing beats an ice-cold beer or lemonade. Want something more substantial? Cornbread muffins are perfect for dipping.
And don’t forget garnishes—fresh cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños let everyone customize their portion. Simple sides, maximum satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy one-pan chili skillet has become my go-to solution for those evenings when comfort food calls but dishwashing enthusiasm doesn’t.
The golden Bisquick crust paired with that melty cheddar blanket creates a delightful contrast to the hearty chili beneath—who could resist?
I’m convinced that simplicity often delivers the most satisfaction, especially when the recipe takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Can you imagine a better weeknight dinner?
