If you crave a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just one pan, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and two kinds of gooey melted cheese mingle with tomatoes and Italian spices to create a skillet supper that’s pure comfort food. With minimal prep and a super short ingredient list, it’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a busy night and still wow everyone at the table. Let’s dive in and make dinner memorable—fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe so irresistible is how every simple ingredient works together to deliver bold flavors and the ultimate cheesy, savory bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, giving the dish a rich, well-rounded flavor.
- Ground beef: The star protein, bringing hearty flavor and satisfying texture to every forkful.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth, balancing the savory richness of the beef.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way, infusing every bite with that classic, mouthwatering aroma.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory notes and helps cook the pasta right in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Bring juicy bursts of flavor and keep the dish saucy and vibrant.
- Tomato sauce: Rounds out the sauce, making it rich and just the right amount of tangy.
- Uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape (elbow, penne, or rotini); it soaks up all the goodness as it cooks.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby warmth and classic Italian flair that ties everything together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, tangy layer that’s pure comfort.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives you that irresistible stretchy, gooey cheese factor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon or spatula as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. If you see excess fat in the skillet, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next up, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle together with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing. This step builds a flavor foundation that makes the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, Sauce, and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, add the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them, the juice is liquid gold!), and stir in the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in your uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a big stir so the pasta is nestled down into the saucy mixture.
Step 4: Simmer Until the Pasta is Tender
Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick, and check for doneness. When the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’re ready for the best part.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish
Remove the lid and sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything is blissfully melted and creamy, creating that signature cheesy pull. Let the skillet sit for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens just a touch, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your skillet masterpiece with a shower of chopped fresh parsley. It adds a pop of green and a fresh, herby lift that balances all the cozy, cheesy flavors. If you love an extra punch, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or even a little grated Parmesan is welcome.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls make the perfect vehicle to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this skillet directly at the table for a rustic, family-style meal. Use mini cast iron pans for individual servings at a dinner party, or spoon the pasta into bowls and top each with a swirl of extra cheese and parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a seriously tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Portion into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The pasta may soften slightly, but all the cheesy, beefy goodness will stay intact.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Or, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Top with a sprinkle of fresh cheese or parsley to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but still delicious version of the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe. Just keep an eye on seasoning, as poultry can be milder in flavor.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini are perfect because they cook evenly and soak up the sauce. Feel free to use what you have on hand—the recipe is super flexible.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach during the simmering step for extra color and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
How do I make it spicier?
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onion and garlic, or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular pasta, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to make the whole dish gluten-free. Just check the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of digging into a homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe, especially when it’s so simple and satisfying. I hope this dish brings as much comfort and cheer to your table as it does to mine—give it a try tonight and watch it become a family favorite!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheeses for a delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a family-friendly dish bursting with flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Pasta and Seasonings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt completely and create a creamy sauce.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the skillet sit off the heat for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Try using a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
- Be sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent sticking to the skillet bottom.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and tomato products.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
