Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe That Families Love

Whipping up a delightful cheesy ground beef pasta skillet can transform your weeknight dinner routine in minutes.

Comfort arrives quickly with this one-pan marvel that promises minimal cleanup.

pasta lovers rejoice as melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned beef, creating an irresistible combination.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Hearty and rich, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Kitchen magic happens when ground beef and pasta unite in a single skillet.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite is even finished.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the pasta skillet to cool completely before transferring to the container to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy beef pasta is mild, flavorful, and most children love this comfort food. It’s a great way to get kids to eat a balanced meal.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the onion and garlic cooking stage. This boosts nutrition without changing the recipe’s core flavor.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Is a Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan recipe eliminates multiple dishes, cutting down on cleanup time and kitchen stress, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Boost Family Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta, this dish delivers pure comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, creating instant smiles around the dinner table.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combining Italian seasoning, beef, tomatoes, and cheese creates a robust meal bursting with savory flavors that satisfies hunger in just a few simple steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the foundation of this skillet meal.

• Pasta: The primary starch that provides texture and substance to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: These liquid ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor to the skillet.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that provide a robust and savory base for the recipe.

• Italian Seasoning: A herb mixture that brings traditional Mediterranean flavors to the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy component that adds richness and binds the ingredients together.

How to Prepare Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.

Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build the Pasta Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning

Stir all ingredients together to combine thoroughly.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Allow the pasta to simmer gently, cooking until it becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid, which typically takes 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and luxurious coating.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Scoop the cheesy beef pasta directly from the skillet onto serving plates. Enjoy the comforting, one-pan meal while it’s hot and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter alternative.
• Grate fresh cheese directly into the skillet for maximum melting and richer flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
• Allow the pasta to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the sauce thicken and cheese melt completely.

Variations to Try with Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version packed with protein and fiber.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Family Comfort Platter: Create a hearty family-style dinner by serving the pasta skillet directly in the pan, letting everyone scoop their own portions with warm garlic bread on the side.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions on top to add extra flavor and texture that makes the dish pop with excitement.
• Healthy Side Companions: Pair the cheesy ground beef pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, meaty main course and add nutritional value to the meal.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly and provides a satisfying midday meal at work or school.

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef pasta skillet delights families with its hearty Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Quick one-pan meal brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups (300 grams) pasta (penne or elbow)
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the skillet.
5. Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency and liquid has mostly absorbed, remove skillet from heat.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, gently folding until cheese completely melts and creates a creamy, uniform coating.
8. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
9. Plate the pasta immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent a greasy dish and improve overall flavor profile.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to customize the dish’s richness and complexity.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color without changing the recipe’s core essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg