The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a delectable ground beef pasta skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as beef sizzles and cheese melts perfectly.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this hearty one-pan wonder.

Home cooks appreciate meals that combine simplicity with incredible flavor profiles.

Minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction describe this crowd-pleasing recipe brilliantly.

pasta lovers will adore how quickly this skillet comes together with just a few quality ingredients.

Grab a fork and prepare for a seriously delicious dinner that everyone at the table will devour.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: Quick and Tasty

• Whip Up a One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a deliciously simple meal that comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding extra vegetables, or incorporating different seasonings to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this cheesy pasta dish offers a satisfying combination of protein, pasta, and melted cheese that everyone will love.
• Boost Weeknight Dinner Excitement: Transform an ordinary evening into a special meal with minimal prep time and maximum flavor, making dinnertime both convenient and delightful.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein in this skillet dish.

• Uncooked Pasta, Beef Broth: Pasta provides the main carbohydrate component, while beef broth adds depth and moisture to the recipe.
• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: These tomato-based ingredients create a rich, tangy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a flavor foundation and add savory notes to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices and seasonings enhance the overall taste profile and provide a complex flavor experience.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy, indulgent texture and adding a sharp, tangy finish to the skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until it transforms into deliciously crispy, golden-brown crumbles.

Let any extra fat drain away to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Sprinkle diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, letting them dance and sizzle until they become soft and release their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Uncooked pasta
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Pasta Magic

Crank up the heat until the mixture bubbles, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and let everything mingle for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch the pasta transform into tender perfection.

Step 5: Cheese Lover’s Dream

• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every single bite.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Optional final touch: Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Grab a fork and dive into this incredible one-pot wonder!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Remove as much grease as possible after browning beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, more appetizing meal.
• Select freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded varieties for better melting and richer, more authentic flavor profiles.
• Add broth gradually and monitor pasta absorption to prevent a soupy or overly dry consistency during cooking.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate the overall taste and create a more complex dish.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels near the end of cooking, keeping in mind that cheese adds natural saltiness to the recipe.

Variations to Try on Beef Pasta Skillet

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired skillet with a kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Recommendations for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Family-Style Feast: Serve this hearty skillet with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a complete, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Weekend Dinner Delight: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Movie Night Magic: Scoop into individual bowls and enjoy as a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for casual gatherings or family movie nights.

Storage Advice for Beef Pasta Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe. They provide a leaner option while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet meal can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage to increase the heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground beef pasta skillet delights diners with a hearty, one-pan meal packed with savory flavors. Melted cheese and perfectly seasoned beef create a comforting dinner that satisfies you quickly and deliciously.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 2 cups uncooked short pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, penne)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Eliminate any accumulated grease.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate uncooked pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
4. Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low. Cover skillet and allow to simmer, occasionally stirring, for 13-14 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
5. Remove from heat and swiftly fold in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, ensuring complete melting and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Optional: Embellish with additional cheese sprinkles or freshly chopped herbs. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and color.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt content and accommodate heart-healthy diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg