Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet
A simple, one-pan dish filled with savory ground beef, tomato, and melty cheese—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
:
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add Tomatoes and Sauce:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
Enjoy your cheesy, savory ground beef skillet!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Beef: In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Carefully drain the excess fat into a disposable container.
2. Soften the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the beef in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Melt the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Final Touches: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving directly from the pan.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile skillet is a complete meal on its own but can be easily extended. For a hearty option, serve it over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. To keep it low-carb, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans perfectly cuts through the richness. Don’t forget crusty bread or garlic toast for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
How-to Summary
This one-pan meal involves browning ground beef with onions, simmering with tomatoes and seasonings to create a savory sauce, and finishing with a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a 30-minute, minimal-cleanup dinner that delivers maximum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pre-shredded Italian blend work wonderfully. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan.
How can I make this dish leaner? Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken, and use part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also add more diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time? Yes. Prepare the beef and sauce mixture, then cool and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture in a skillet, then add the cheese and cover to melt.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the other sauce ingredients for a thicker, richer base.
Can I freeze leftovers? The sauced beef mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. It’s best to add fresh cheese after thawing and reheating for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain the fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Use a skillet large enough to cook the beef in a single layer for proper browning.
- Using Fresh Garlic Instead of Powder: In this quick-cooking recipe, garlic powder integrates better without the risk of burning.
- Stirring After Adding Cheese: Once you add the cheese, cover the skillet. Stirring will make the cheese stringy and uneven.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet is the epitome of a reliable weeknight dinner. It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers a deeply satisfying, family-friendly meal every time. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a perfect canvas for customization based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try for a deliciously easy solution to the “what’s for dinner” dilemma.