Recently, as I stood peering into the freezer for inspiration for a quick dinner, I experienced a major case of deja vu.
It’s not often I find myself on that side of desperation anymore. But it seems like only yesterday this scenario happened almost nightly. So it’s no wonder that I ended up preparing a quick, one-pan skillet meal. I have often written about the glories of this one-pot wonder over the years.
Today’s recipe is Cheeseburger Pie Skillet, and it has all the flavors of a gourmet burger and fries. But what’s even better is the leftovers are delicious a day later — something that never happens with a leftover burger or fries. The skillet meal feeds five and if you need to, you can make it for a smaller crowd.
Dinner (and prep) was a welcome reminder of days gone by when I needed a 20-minute, easy-cleanup recipe to feed my family. So whether you need a quick family-friendly meal or you just want dinner fast, you are going to love the ease and delicious flavors of this simple skillet meal in just 20 minutes flat.
Cheeseburger Pie Skillet
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (see note)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, or more to taste
Burger condiments, optional, to taste
Heat oil in a covered large nonstick skillet over medium. Stir in onion and ground beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the beef well. Scatter hash browns over the beef; cover skillet to steam/thaw potatoes for 3 minutes.
Uncover, stir and cook until potatoes begin to brown and beef is thoroughly cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Scatter cheese over top of beef mixture and cover to melt, about 2 minutes.
Serve with choice of condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, shredded lettuce and chopped tomato, if desired.
Makes 5 servings.
Note: Break up the potatoes for easier measuring.
Each serving has about 320 calories, 15 grams fat (8 grams saturated), 93 milligrams cholesterol, 31 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram dietary fiber, 207 milligrams sodium.
Alicia Ross is the co-author of three cookbooks. Contact her c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106, email tellus@kitchenscoop.com, or visit http://kitchenscoop.com.
