15-Minute One-Pan Cheeseburger Skillet

15-minute one-pan cheeseburger skillet featuring ground beef, melted cheddar, and classic burger flavors for an easy family dinner.

A quick American-style meal with all the flavors of a cheeseburger, but made in one pan. Great over rice, pasta, or with bread.

Serves

2–3 people

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Pickles, chopped (optional)

• Cooked rice, pasta, or bread for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the aromatics

   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion (and garlic if using) and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

2. Brown the meat

   • Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add sauce

   • Stir in ketchup, mustard, and water.
   • Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

4. Add cheese

   • Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
   • Cover the pan and cook 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.

5. Serve

   • Spoon over rice or pasta, or serve with bread/buns.
   • Top with chopped pickles if you like that classic cheeseburger taste.

If you tell me what ingredients you already have, I can adapt this to match your pantry.