Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Hungry Hearts

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

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan wonder that promises minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Melted cheese blankets tender pasta and seasoned beef, creating layers of rich, savory flavor.

Robust ingredients dance together, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights picky eaters.

Pantry staples become a symphony of taste, blending simplicity with irresistible charm.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this skillet promises to become your new go-to dinner solution.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it part of your regular meal rotation.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Appeal

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan wonder solves the dinner dilemma with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy families rushing between activities.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Combining ground beef, pasta, and cheese creates a hearty meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, satisfying everyone's hunger in no time.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily swap ingredients like using different cheese varieties, adding vegetables, or switching protein types to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leveraging affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples ensures a delicious meal without breaking the bank, stretching your grocery budget smartly.

Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: Provides the main protein and hearty flavor for the skillet dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory base notes to enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Pasta: Creates the main body of the dish with a comforting texture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provide moisture and create a rich, flavorful sauce for the pasta.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and melts into a delicious coating for the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the completed skillet.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté aromatics and prevents sticking in the skillet.

Stepwise Guide to Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create a Savory Base

Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.

Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Introduce pasta directly into the skillet, stirring occasionally.

Let it bubble and cook for 10-12 minutes until the noodles become perfectly tender and absorb the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating that hugs every bite.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste the skillet and add salt and pepper as needed.

The seasoning will elevate the entire dish, bringing out the rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, and cheese.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the skillet piping hot, directly from the pan for a rustic, comforting meal.

Tips to Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful meal.
• Allow the pasta to absorb the liquid completely for a creamy, cohesive texture that blends all ingredients perfectly.

Flavor Twists for Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the cheesy beef flavor intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same cooking method and cheese-covered comfort.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty skillet meal without dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern spin on the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Weeknight Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, cozy dinner experience.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Transfer the cheesy beef pasta to a large serving dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and watch it disappear at community gatherings.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave at work or school.
• One-Pan Comfort Bowl: Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture and a delightful crunch that elevates the classic pasta dish.

Storing Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Safely

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture.
• Place in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve flavor and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells that hold sauce well and cook in similar time.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love cheesy pasta with beef, and it’s an easy one-pan meal that’s both tasty and satisfying.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diners.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots during the pasta cooking stage for extra nutrition and color.

Delicious Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy cheesy ground beef pasta skillet delivers comfort and flavor in one pan. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (any kind)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until completely browned, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer and create a rich, flavorful base.
4. Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to ensure even coating and cooking for 10-12 minutes, periodically mixing to prevent sticking.
5. When pasta reaches al dente consistency, gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts smoothly and integrates with the sauce.
6. Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and additional aromatic touch.
8. Serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and hearty one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed.
• For gluten-free diets, replace regular pasta with chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice pasta to maintain the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process for extra vegetables and vitamins.
• Make this dish ahead of time and reheat gently, as the cheese may separate; add a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency when warming leftovers.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg