This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup easy.
- Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein, cheese, and pasta for a filling meal.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable – Swap the pasta type, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Add the Sauce & Pasta:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer Until Tender:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
6. Make it Cheesy:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Top with More Cheese & Melt:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish & Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Kcal: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Make it Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetable Boost – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Swap the Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken – A leaner alternative to beef.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells work best. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats well, making it a great meal prep option. Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a family-friendly comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its rich, cheesy goodness and savory beef flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to weeknight favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, one-pan meal with minimal effort!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. Customize with different cheeses, veggies, or protein swaps for a meal the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Season the Mixture:
- Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir to combine.
4. Add the Sauce & Pasta:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer Until Tender:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Make it Cheesy:
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Top with More Cheese & Melt:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Swap the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
