Supper In A Skillet
A hearty skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. shell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in oil until red disappears.
- Add chopped onion and celery; cook until onion is soft.
- Add catsup, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and oregano. Mix well.
- Stir in cooked and drained shell macaroni.
- Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes.
- Just before serving, fold in American cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve hot from the skillet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or bell peppers alongside the onion and celery. If you don't have shell macaroni, any small pasta like elbow macaroni works well. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with Farmhouse Barbecue Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish straight from the skillet for a casual family dinner. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread. This recipe also works well as a filling for baked potatoes, making it a versatile option for any weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. This ensures the pasta stays tender and the flavors are revitalized.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Supper In A Skillet contains roughly 406 calories, with 18g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2620mg per serving (114% 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 cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella. Each will provide a different flavor profile, with cheddar adding a sharpness and mozzarella offering a gooey texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or increase the vegetables, such as mushrooms, lentils, or beans. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian skillet meal.
Can this dish be frozen for later?
Yes, you can freeze the skillet dish after it cools completely. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet until heated through, adding a little water if needed.
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).