Old Fashioned Skillet Dinner
A hearty skillet dinner combining savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato flavors, topped with cheese—perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the onions and ground beef until fully cooked.
- Season the beef and onions with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cooked macaroni, browned beef and onions, canned tomatoes, tomato soup, and tomato catsup together in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or Italian seasoning in the beef mixture. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, any pasta shape will work, such as shells or penne. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or a meat substitute. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty skillet dinner with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tasty Dried Beef Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. For an extra touch, top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or additional tomato sauce before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Skillet Dinner contains roughly 464 calories, with 21g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its strong flavor and melting qualities, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses for more complexity. Just ensure to sprinkle it on top before baking for that delicious melted layer.
Can I freeze this Old Fashioned Skillet Dinner?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
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).