SHIPWRECK CASSEROLE Mexican Style Ground Beef Skillet Meal

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is more affordable.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: frozen tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes offer better flavor, while frozen are often cheaper and convenient.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cube

Vegetable broth can be lower in calories, while bouillon is an economical substitute.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a meat chopper.

Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink.

Drain any excess grease by pushing the meat to the side and using paper towels.

Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet.

Stir in 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning (or one packet).

Mix the seasoning with the beef until well combined.

Add a 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the mixture and stir.

Incorporate 1 cup of fajita vegetable blend (peppers and onions) into the skillet.

Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir everything together.

Add the macaroni from the box of macaroni and cheese along with the cheese packet.

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to combine.

Taste the mixture to check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Allow the mixture to simmer without a lid until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

If needed, add extra liquid to prevent sticking, especially if using cast iron.

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the burner and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.

Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: