Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and comforting meal, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. This one-pan dish combines flavorful ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and family gatherings. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time.

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a fantastic recipe when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal. It combines everyone’s favorite comfort foods: pasta and cheese, along with the savory taste of ground beef. This dish is not only kid-friendly but also perfect for adults who appreciate convenience without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the ingredients are easily customizable, decluttering your pantry while saving you time and effort.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is easy and enjoyable! Start by cooking the pasta until it’s just tender. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet, mixing in garlic, onion, and spices to build a rich flavor. Then, add in the reserved pasta water, tomato paste, and parsley to create a delicious sauce. Combine everything together by mixing in the cooked pasta and cheese. After a few minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, flavorful dinner ready to be served that will please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups cooked ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions, cooking 1 minute less than instructed. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).

2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it apart. Reduce heat to medium and season with salt and black pepper.

3. Build the Sauce: Stir in garlic, onion, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors deepen.

4. Add Pasta & Cheese: Stir in cooked pasta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well to coat. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella, cover with a lid, and let melt for a few minutes off the heat.

5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy comfort!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet directly from the skillet for a cozy family-style meal. Pair it with a fresh side salad to balance out the rich flavors of the dish. If you like, you can also offer garlic bread on the side for an extra touch of comfort. This dish is best enjoyed warm, right after it’s made, so dig in and savor every cheesy, beefy bite!

How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

To store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer meal prepping, this dish is perfect for making ahead of time for busy lunches or weeknight dinners. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy a warm, comforting meal!

Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

1. Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and fat. This keeps the dish hearty but lighter.
2. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
3. Add More Cheese: You can’t go wrong with cheese! Consider adding cheddar or pepper jack for a twist in flavor.
4. Adjust Spiciness: If you want a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can You Freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet! Once the dish has cooled, transfer it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

To reheat, place the desired portion in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or milk if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You want everything nice and warm without losing that cheesy goodness!

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe. Swap ziti for any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or even shells work great! If you want to make it vegetarian, use plant-based beef alternatives and add more veggies. For a creamy version, stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream just before adding the pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

2. What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes and adjust the seasoning to your preference. The dish will still be flavorful without the spice.

3. How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet typically takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights!

Enjoy making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet and relish the delicious flavors it brings to your table!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A quick, hearty, and comforting one-pan dish that combines flavorful ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended to reduce excess fat.
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Used for browning the beef.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Add more for stronger flavor if desired.
• 1 small onion, chopped Sweet or yellow onions work well.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
• to taste Salt Season as preferred.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste Adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Enhances savory flavors.
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Plus more for garnish.
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For added spice.
• 2 cups cooked ziti pasta Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Add more if desired.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water Helps to thicken the sauce.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Boil pasta according to package directions, cooking 1 minute less than instructed. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).

Cooking

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it apart.
• Reduce heat to medium and season with salt and black pepper.
• Stir in garlic, onion, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors deepen.
• Stir in cooked pasta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well to coat. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella, cover with a lid, and let melt for a few minutes off the heat.

Serving

• Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a cozy family-style meal. This dish can also be customized with extra vegetables or different types of cheese. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Keyword Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Ground Beef, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest