Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners with Spaghetti Skillet Dinner
Are you tired of the same old spaghetti night routine? It’s time to shake things up with our delicious and easy-to-make Spaghetti Skillet Dinner recipe! This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Packed with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Join us as we dive into the culinary adventure of creating the ultimate Spaghetti Skillet Dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and can be used interchangeably in this recipe for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Of course! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, feel free to use them in place of canned tomatoes. Simply chop them up and add them to the skillet.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Skillet:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped green bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and diced onions to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spaghetti
- Pour the entire can of whole tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the skillet, pushing them down into the sauce so they’re submerged. Add water as needed to ensure the noodles are covered.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the spaghetti mixture, stirring to combine. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked to your desired doneness.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Spaghetti Skillet Dinner hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options
- Zucchini Noodles: For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this dish, swap out the spaghetti noodles for spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles.
- Cauliflower Rice: Another low-carb option is to replace the spaghetti noodles with cauliflower rice. Simply cook the cauliflower rice in the skillet until tender and proceed with the recipe as directed.
With its hearty combination of ground beef, savory vegetables, and melty cheese, our Spaghetti Skillet Dinner is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to satisfy your cravings, this recipe has it all. So grab your skillet and get ready to create a delicious dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
