Classic Ground Meat Skillet Casserole
A One-Pan, Family-Friendly Dinner That’s Freezer-Friendly and Packed with Flavor
If you have a pack of frozen ground meat sitting in your freezer — like the one in the photo — and no clue what to do with it, this is your answer: a Ground Meat Skillet Casserole that’s quick, delicious, and only takes one pan from stovetop to table.
This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with rich, comforting flavor. It’s a mash-up of a casserole and a skillet dish — with ground meat, veggies, spices, pasta, and cheese, all cooked together in one pot. Best of all? You don’t even have to boil the pasta separately!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Storage: Refrigerates well, great for meal prep or freezing
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork – thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work great)
- 2 ½ cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, green onions, chili flakes
Using Frozen Ground Meat: How to Thaw Safely
If your ground meat is frozen solid (like in the photo), here are a few quick options to thaw it:
- Overnight in the fridge: Place the package on a plate and let it thaw slowly for 12–24 hours.
- Cold water method: Submerge the sealed package in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes.
- Microwave defrost: If you’re in a rush, use the defrost setting — but watch closely to avoid starting to cook the edges.
Once thawed, pat dry any moisture from the meat before cooking.
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the thawed ground meat and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This takes about 6–8 minutes.
Tip: If you’re using fattier ground beef or pork, you may want to drain off excess grease after browning.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the uncooked pasta and broth. Stir well to make sure everything is combined and the pasta is mostly submerged.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Cheesy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Want it bubbly and browned? Pop the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden.
How to Serve
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. It’s a full meal in one pan — no sides needed! But it also pairs well with:
- A simple green salad
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.
Variations & Substitutions
- No pasta? Swap in cooked rice, quinoa, or even frozen cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth.
- Spicy option: Add chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Meat Skillet Casserole
- One-pan cleanup
- Perfect for using up frozen ground meat
- Great for weeknight dinners or meal prepping
- Totally customizable with pantry and fridge staples
- Comforting, cheesy, and filling!
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients — or effort — to make something incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up, fills you up, and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. So the next time you find yourself staring at a frozen pack of ground meat (like the one in your photo), you’ll know exactly what to make.
