Budget Skillet Dinner
A hearty, budget-friendly skillet dinner combining pasta, ground beef, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting weeknight meals for families or students.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef and chopped onion in a large, heavy skillet until the meat is lightly browned.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, freshly ground pepper, crushed garlic, chili powder, and Tabasco to the meat mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the meat and tomato mixture and heat thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables or canned corn to the skillet during the last 15 minutes of simmering. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder and Tabasco. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option, or use whole wheat elbow macaroni for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Budget Skillet Dinner with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with A Delicious One Dish Meal for those busy weeknights. For an extra kick, top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Budget Skillet Dinner contains roughly 193 calories, with 7g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the new pasta type.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the skillet dinner in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated throughout.
What can I add for more flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. You can also mix in some Worcestershire sauce for depth or a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).