One of my favorite weeknight meals is this One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort without a lot of fuss. Picture this: a bubbling skillet filled with seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella, all under a golden layer of cheese. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also comes together in just one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes this One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet a standout? For one, it’s a time-saver, gliding from stovetop to oven in a seamless blend of simple steps. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it an ideal candidate for a busy weeknight dinner or when guests pop by unexpectedly. With just a handful of affordable ingredients, it’s budget-friendly too.
Imagine a sizzling pan bursting with flavors that bring everyone to the table. Even picky eaters are captivated by the cheesy goodness! As one happy home cook put it:
“This has become a staple in our home! My kids love the cheese and flavor, and I appreciate how quickly it comes together. It’s a win-win!”
The cooking process explained
Creating this Italian Beef Skillet is a breeze, and best of all, you only need one pan — less hassle and fewer dishes to wash! Start by browning the ground beef, then layer in the flavors with onions and herbs. While the ingredients meld together, you simply steam some riced cauliflower and introduce it to the skillet. Finish it off with marinara sauce and cheese, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
What you’ll need
To make this dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups Rao’s marinara (or your favorite brand)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 10 oz frozen steamed riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 onion, chopped (or 1 tsp onion powder)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Salt to taste
Feel free to customize with your preferred brands or even outsource some ingredients for a shortcut!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In an oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic powder and oregano for flavor.
- Meanwhile, steam the riced cauliflower according to package instructions. Strain and fold into the skillet mix.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, mix well, and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until it thickens.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven for 5 minutes, until it’s starting to melt.
- Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
This One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet shines on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your meal. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also garnish it with fresh basil or parsley to add a fresh element.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftover One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef; it keeps the dish from becoming too oily.
- If you prefer a little spice, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before simmering to ensure your dish is full of flavor!
Creative twists
Feel free to mix it up! Consider experimenting with different cheeses — a blend of cheddar or provolone could add a fun twist. You can also replace riced cauliflower with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb version or swap out ground beef for turkey or a meatless substitute.
FAQs
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time for this One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet is about 15 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for cooking and baking.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used, but make sure to sauté them longer than you would frozen to ensure they are cooked through.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
With a little planning, this One-Pan Italian Beef Skillet can be a delightful fixture in your dinner rotation, bringing authentic flavors into your home with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
