Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the comforting warmth of a hearty pasta casserole - all prepared in a single skillet! This Homestyle Skillet Cheeseburger Casserole is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that promises to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With just 30 minutes of total cooking time and minimal cleanup, you'll create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your kitchen workspace. Measure out all ingredients precisely before beginning.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or deep non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spatula or cooking spoon.
- Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the browned beef with salt and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the skillet. Stir to combine with the ground beef.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the skillet, stirring to ensure the pasta is covered by the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. If needed, add a little more broth.
- Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it's completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, garnishing with additional cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use a high-quality cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic when browning the beef.
- Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor profile.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Experiment with optional garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
