Are you craving a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that will have your entire family begging for seconds? Look no further! This well-filled ground beef recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines incredible flavor, simplicity, and pure culinary satisfaction. Imagine a skillet packed with juicy, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a perfect blend of savory ingredients that come together in just 40 minutes – it's like a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Then, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the lid and give the mixture a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the well-filled ground beef hot, either on its own or with a side of your choice, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture. This ensures your dish remains juicy without being overly greasy.
- Drain Excess Fat Carefully: After browning the beef, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too oily. A quick tip is to tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove the liquid fat.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your seasonings! The Italian seasoning is crucial, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Cheese Melting Technique: For perfectly melted cheese, remove the skillet from heat and cover it. The residual heat will help the cheese melt evenly without burning.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to customize the flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this ground beef pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 342kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
