Fancy One Skillet Dinner
A hearty one-skillet dinner combining ground beef, pasta, mushrooms, and savory tomato and wine flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet with lid, cook hamburger until it loses its red color; break meat up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in 5 cups boiling water, onion soup mix, bay leaf, ground black pepper, sliced mushrooms, tomato sauce, and red wine.
- Heat mixture to boiling.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni into boiling liquid; return to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and boil slowly, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
- Add additional water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the skillet. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the beef. Make sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking, and adjust the amount of water based on the desired consistency. This recipe can also inspire variations like Beef-Chip or Grandma'S Tamale Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the flavors. This one-skillet dinner pairs beautifully with your favorite red wine, making it a wonderful choice for a casual dinner gathering or family night.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy One Skillet Dinner contains roughly 264 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (164% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked perfectly. Keep an eye on the liquid levels as different pasta may absorb water differently.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for added protein. Additionally, swapping the beef broth with vegetable broth and omitting the wine can make this dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining its hearty flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the beef. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to adjust the spice level to their liking. This can complement the flavors while giving it a nice kick.
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).