After my last post and my two consecutive cooking screwups, I decided to post a recipe that is virtually unscrewupable (I just made that up).

Since I started this site, I have found some truly amazing food sites with the most incredible recipes. Some are pretty fancy, while others are simply like a touch of home – good old home-cooking. One such site is Southern Plate where I tried this One Skillet Chili Bake. It was so good that my boys gobbled it up so fast that I didn’t even have seconds.

I’ve talked about my youngest boy before who is having to learn to fend for himself in the kitchen since the split with his girlfriend while teaching him to cook on a budget as well. He’s mastered the Hamburger Helper and the Ramen noodles, so I’m now teaching him to step out of his comfort zone into the world of real non-processed food. He’s liking it too.

This recipe was one that he actually requested that I show him. He likes it when I show him how to make something. He says he learns better that way. He’s a visual student, you could say. You could also say that he’s figured out that mom will make it one more time for him in the name of “teaching”. He’s pretty clever that way. But I don’t mind. Anytime my boys want to come by to visit, I’ll take whatever excuse I can get.

So last night, my baby came by after work and I made a double batch of this unscrewupable One Skillet Chili Bake and sent him home with four containers of leftovers, along with some of the Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins. He hit the jackpot! He has muffins for breakfast and a hearty Chili Bake lunch that his construction buddy’s will be envious of. He left with a big smile on his face and I got a big old hug too. Everybody was happy.

You really should try this. It’s one skillet. It’s simple to throw together. And you really can’t screw it up. . . unless you burn it. Don’t burn it.

This is all you need. Actually you only need half of this for a normal family. But if you have two hearty eaters and you’d like to have some left for lunch the next day, you may want to double it like I did.

One Skillet Chili Bake

2 lb hamburger
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans Rotel
4 Tbl chili powder
1 cup uncooked rice (not Minute Rice)
2 cups water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, brown hamburger, then drain. Add beans, Rotel, chili powder and rice and water. Simmer, covered for 20 minutes or until the rice is done. Uncover and top with cheese. Put the lid back on and continue cooking until the cheese melts. Serve with tortilla or corn chips.

It’s also flexible enough that you could jazz it up with any number of variations. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper. Corn is always a good addition, or more rice, or both. That’ll just make it go further. You can even add a dollop of sour cream. See! Flexible. Go ahead. You can customize this recipe to suit just about anybody.

And remember to cut this recipe in half if you’re a normal family. . . not ravenous, bottomless pits such as my “growing” boys.

My boy will never make Hamburger Helper again now that he knows how easy and totally delicious this is.

Thanks Christy!