Irresistibly Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

A hearty cheesy ground beef pasta skillet promises comfort in every satisfying bite.

Crusty edges and melted cheese create an irresistible meal that whispers home-cooked goodness.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions with maximum flavor impact.

Quick preparation meets crowd-pleasing potential in this one-pan wonder.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum deliciousness without complicated techniques.

Hungry diners will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving, guaranteed.

What Draws Folks to Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Cook everything in one pan, reducing dishwashing time and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a satisfying dinner that won't break the bank.
• Delivers irresistible cheesy goodness that children love, while providing a balanced meal packed with protein and flavor for the whole family.

Pantry Picks for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the hearty foundation of the dish, choose lean beef for less grease.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide deep flavor and savory undertones, fresh is best for maximum taste.

• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base that creates a rich, slightly tangy sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor, canned varieties work perfectly.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the pasta mixture.

• Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate component, medium shapes like penne or rotini hold sauce well.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Paprika: Offers mild warmth and subtle color to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy binding ingredient that melts beautifully, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb notes, completely optional but recommended.

How to Put Together Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Drain any extra fat from the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create The Sauce Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Uncooked pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Simmer The Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the lid and stir in one portion of shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting meal.

Tricks for Cooking Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Right

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing meal.
• Choose the Right Pasta: Use short pasta like rotini or penne that catches sauce well and provides better texture in the skillet.
• Control Cheese Melting: Add first cup of cheese while pasta is still hot to create creamy consistency, then top with remaining cheese for perfect melt.
• Customize Seasoning Levels: Adjust Italian seasoning and paprika according to personal taste preferences for a personalized flavor profile.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Stir occasionally and check pasta tenderness to avoid mushy texture, ensuring al dente pasta every time.

The Best Way to Store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Freeze flat in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

Pair Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with These

• Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy ground beef pasta, cutting through the dish's creamy texture.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty skillet, adding fresh, zesty notes that contrast the pasta's warm, cheesy profile.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture that enhances the overall meal experience and adds extra flavor dimension.
• Prepare simple roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers with olive oil and herbs, introducing a healthy side that adds color and nutritional variety to the meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Pasta Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Swap: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a base. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and basil. Incorporate spinach for extra nutrition.

Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet? Here’s Help

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• Do I need to precook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the skillet with the sauce and broth, absorbing flavors and saving you an extra pot to clean.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions to replace the Italian seasoning.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, a hearty one-pan wonder that combines savory beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to the dinner table in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Liquids:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth

Cheese:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef, eliminating any surplus fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, savory beef broth, uncooked pasta, and season with Italian herbs, warm paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow ingredients to meld together, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Once pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, carefully fold in a generous portion of shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted blanket. Cover briefly to encourage complete cheese dissolution and create a glossy, golden topping.
7. For an elegant finishing touch, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing diners to appreciate the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option that maintains great flavor and protein content.
• Add diced bell peppers or zucchini during the onion cooking stage to boost vegetable intake and create more nutritional complexity in the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the texture and taste remain similar to the original recipe.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese mix to customize the flavor profile and create exciting variations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg