Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta

Hamburger Skillet Dinner Recipe

Overview:

Hamburger Skillet Dinner is a delightful and convenient one-dish meal that pays homage to the beloved concept of Hamburger Helper but with a fresh, homemade twist. It’s a comforting blend of lean ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and gooey cheeses, all cooked together in a single skillet for ease and efficiency. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe Information:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Calories per Serving: 389.9 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Meal Type: Main Dish, One-Dish Meal
• Keywords: Spaghetti, Meat, Kid Friendly, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

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   • Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms as needed.

2. Cook Ground Beef:

   • In a large non-stick frying pan or skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Incorporate Vegetables:

   • Stir in the chopped zucchini and mushrooms. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender.

5. Prepare Pasta:

   • While the beef and vegetables are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Combine and Simmer:

   • To the skillet with the cooked beef and vegetables, add 2 cups of water, spaghetti sauce, dried basil, sugar, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

7. Add Pasta and Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, and most of the liquid is absorbed.

8. Add Cheese:

   • Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the dish.

9. Serve:

   • Remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Serving Suggestions:

• This Hamburger Skillet Dinner pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also great on its own as a complete meal!

Tips for Success:

• Variety: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness of this dish, making it a perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Final Thoughts:

Hamburger Skillet Dinner is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that brings together the convenience of Hamburger Helper with the satisfaction of homemade cooking. With its hearty flavors and simple preparation, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and family appeal. Enjoy the process of cooking it as much as you’ll relish sharing it around the table with loved ones!