Easy Skillet Casserole
A hearty skillet casserole combining ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese—perfect for a comforting family dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet with 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- While the mixture is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Add the drained macaroni to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet while browning the beef. If you want a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. To enhance the dish, try adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Skillet Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh Summer Vegetable Medley or a side salad for a complete meal. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Skillet Casserole contains roughly 1458 calories, with 17g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2699mg per serving (117% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until the simmering step, then let it cool before covering and refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, adding a little water if necessary, and simmer until heated through.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for a substitution, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. You could also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as ground turkey may cook faster than beef.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or peas. Just sauté them with the onion at the beginning, or mix them in with the macaroni. This not only enhances the nutrition but also adds vibrant color to the dish.
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).