Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, and a touch of chili flakes, combined with al dente ziti pasta and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a rich, savory flavor with a creamy cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the recommended cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta; do not rinse to retain the starches that help thicken the sauce.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it begins to brown. Then reduce the heat to medium.
- Simmer the Meat Mixture: Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, optional chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or plain water if preferred). Stir everything together and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Combine Pasta and Melt Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to combine. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For the best texture, cook pasta slightly less than package instructions to keep it firm but tender.
- Reserving pasta water helps to create a velvety sauce by utilizing the starches.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to brighten the dish both visually and in flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes depending on your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for variations.
