Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich blend of melted cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of spice, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy preparation and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Liquids and Tomatoes

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 ½ cups beef broth

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat to warm up before cooking the ingredients.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Drain Grease: Remove any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant to build flavor.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine the sauce base.
Add Pasta: Submerge the uncooked pasta fully in the liquid mixture, ensuring it is covered for even cooking.
Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese while the skillet is still on the heat, mixing until melted and creamy.
Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the pasta surface.
Allow Cheese to Melt: Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content if desired.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
Any short pasta shape works well—try fusilli or shells for variation.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American