Quick Skillet
A hearty and comforting skillet dish featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, its savory and slightly sweet profile appeals to families and anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal with simple ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in shortening in an electric skillet. Drain off excess grease.
- Stir in hot water, diced tomatoes, catsup, salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet.
- Mix everything well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano when stirring in the tomatoes. If you're out of ground beef, turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option. You can also replace macaroni with any small pasta shape you have on hand. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference to make this recipe your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Quick Skillet hot, garnished with grated cheese or chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For an even heartier option, serve alongside Hamburger Cheese Bake to satisfy any appetite.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Quick Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the skillet over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking, until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Skillet contains roughly 520 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1948mg per serving (85% 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 recipe in advance?
If you're looking for a quick meal, consider making a double batch and freezing half for later. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly when reheating.
What can I substitute for catsup?
Adjust the seasoning to taste, as different sauces will have varying levels of sweetness and tanginess.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This way, you still enjoy a hearty meal while keeping it vegetarian-friendly, perfect for anyone looking for plant-based options.
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).