Skillet Burgers

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Skillet Burgers offer a hearty, flavorful meal featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and peppers, then simmered in a tangy sauce of tomato catsup, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, this dish combines savory and sweet notes with a touch of tang.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2 onions
  • 1/2 cup tomato catsup
  • 1 green pepper (optional)
  • salt
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef, sliced onions, and green pepper in a skillet.
  2. Add the tomato catsup, vinegar, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the skillet.
  3. Mix everything well until combined.
  4. Cover and simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or spices like paprika and cumin to the beef while browning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. A splash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick! This recipe is similar to classic American recipes like Bean And Beef Bake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the skillet burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Pair them with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with coleslaw or baked beans for a classic American experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Skillet Burgers contains roughly 237 calories, with 3g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

237 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 44g 16% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 19.9g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 822.8mg 36% DV
Potassium 431.4mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 25.2mg 28% DV
Calcium 77.1mg 6% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just reheat it in the skillet before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for serving at gatherings.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils as a meat alternative, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of sugar or use alternatives like honey or maple syrup. You can also balance sweetness with additional vinegar or mustard to create a more savory taste.

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).

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