If you’re craving something utterly comforting, quick enough for a weeknight, and sure to make everyone at the table smile, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is absolutely calling your name. Imagine a bubbling skillet filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and a perfectly melty duo of cheddar and mozzarella—all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes, and you don’t even need to pre-cook your pasta! The flavor is bold and satisfying, and with minimal prep and clean-up, you’ll be adding this to your regular dinner rotation in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient brings a unique flair that makes the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet so crave-worthy. Let’s walk through what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips to make the dish shine even brighter.
- Olive oil: A drizzle to start the party in your pan, giving your beef unbeatable flavor and juiciness.
- Ground beef: The hearty star! Go with 80/20 for maximum flavor, or sub in turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion melts into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings unmistakable warmth and aroma—don’t skip it!
- Italian seasoning: Adds that perfect blend of herbs, giving the whole dish a cozy, homey vibe.
- Paprika: For that hint of smokiness and lovely color—smoked paprika works well too if you want more depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and making everything pop.
- Uncooked pasta: Penne or rotini work beautifully; their shape hugs the sauce for maximum cheesiness.
- Beef broth: Cooking the pasta right in the broth infuses every bite with savory flavor and creates a luscious sauce.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: These add acidity, juiciness, and a pop of color—no draining needed!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives you that classic, sharp cheesy pull, making each forkful irresistible.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into dreamy, gooey perfection—so essential for that stretchy cheese factor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous touch to finish things off with color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so you get little bits in every bite. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s nicely browned—this step is key for getting that signature depth of flavor! Drain any excess grease if needed before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right on top of the browned beef. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions turn soft and translucent and the kitchen smells like absolute heaven.
Step 3: Season It Up
Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a really good stir so the spices coat every bite of beef—this is what infuses the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with those cozy, Italian-inspired flavors we all love.
Step 4: Add Pasta, Broth, and Tomatoes
Now the magic really starts! Stir in the uncooked pasta, pour in the beef broth, and add the diced tomatoes (juice and all). Mix well so the pasta is evenly distributed and mostly submerged in liquid. This little pool of flavor is going to cook your pasta and create the creamy base for your skillet.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring everything to a boil for a minute, then drop the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up into those little pasta tubes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt into a creamy, bubbly sauce that coats every bit of pasta and beef. The skillet will look swoon-worthy at this point!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Now you just need a big spoon (and maybe some garlic bread).
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Finish your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a flourish! A dusting of fresh parsley or chopped basil is classic, but you can get creative with thin-sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of extra cheese. The garnish is more than just looks—it adds freshness and a little crunch to balance the dreamy richness.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a meal by itself, but it also plays nicely with others. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for swiping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans keeps things balanced and colorful on your plate. If you’re feeling indulgent, try some roasted broccoli or a simple tomato-cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family night, serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet straight from the skillet at the table—everyone can dig in. If you want to dress it up, dish individual servings in bowls and swirl a little extra cheese on top (then melt it under the broiler for a minute). For potlucks, spoon into a casserole dish and travel with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Let the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet cool to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or a no-stress dinner later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture. The pasta may soften a bit after freezing but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken a bit once chilled. Stir frequently until everything is hot and the cheese is gooey once more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short shapes like fusilli, ziti, or shells all do the trick—the key is choosing a sturdy pasta that will hold up well while simmering in the skillet.
What if I don’t eat beef?
No worries! Ground turkey or chicken work seamlessly in this dish and make it a tad lighter. You might want to add a dash more seasoning for extra flavor, but the result will be just as comforting.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
If you love a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices or splash in some hot sauce at the end. Pepper jack cheese is another fun way to boost the spice factor.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach when you add the onion and garlic for extra nutrition, color, and flavor. The versatility is half the fun.
Will this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet reheat well?
It reheats beautifully! The pasta soaks up even more flavor overnight, and a quick splash of broth during reheating brings everything back to creamy, cheesy life.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, you’ll understand why it’s a weeknight hero in so many kitchens. It delivers hearty comfort, big flavor, and barely any clean-up—which is always worth celebrating. Go on, give it a try and see if it doesn’t become a new family favorite at your house too!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a satisfying one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to make. Tender pasta is cooked in a flavorful beef and tomato sauce, then loaded with two kinds of melted cheese for a comforting dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
- For extra flavor, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
