Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one pan and delivers big family-pleasing vibes, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. This recipe brings together tender pasta, rich ground beef, a tangy tomato base, and an irresistibly gooey cheese layer—all in just about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of unfussy, hearty meal I turn to when I want something simple but phenomenal, and it always hits the spot.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet keeps things simple with pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play an important role in the final dish. Every element adds something special, whether it’s depth, color, or that delicious cheesy finish.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps prevent sticking as you brown the beef.
Ground beef: The star of the show, providing savory flavor and satisfying protein that forms the backbone of the skillet.
Onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic depth; it melts into the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Just two cloves pack a huge punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning: An easy way to infuse herbs and complexity without having to measure out multiple spices.
Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and subtle color to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Beef broth: Deepens the savory, meaty notes and helps everything simmer together.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds acidity and body to the sauce while keeping it light.
Tomato sauce: Makes the skillet extra saucy and binds all the flavors.
Uncooked short pasta: Penne, rotini, or similar shapes work great—they soak up the sauce and cook right in the skillet.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for classic sharp tanginess.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that dreamy, stretchy, gooey cheese factor we all love.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A final sprinkle for a burst of green freshness and color.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, making sure to break it up into crumbles as you go. You want to get some caramelization on the beef, but it shouldn’t be overcooked. Once browned, drain off any excess grease—this prevents the dish from becoming too heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Stir in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle in the hot skillet just until the onion softens and turns a bit translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step unlocks so much savory depth and gives your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet an inviting aroma right from the start.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the beef and veggies are thoroughly coated with those beautiful spices. This infuses every bite of the skillet with herby, smoky, and peppery notes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices!), tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together really well. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s just tender and most of the liquid has soaked into the dish—about 12 to 15 minutes is all it takes!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish the Skillet

Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are totally melted and the sauce is irresistibly creamy. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top for a fresh finish. Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is ready to serve steaming hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

This skillet is absolutely delicious served right out of the pan, but a flourish of chopped parsley gives it a restaurant-quality look and a fresh, herbal pop. For a little extra zing, you could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dusting of grated parmesan cheese at the table.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette balances out the cheesy richness. Crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are excellent for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For extra veggies, steamed broccoli or roasted green beans are always welcome on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress for a casual dinner party or family night, serve this skillet in mini cast-iron pans or oven-safe bowls for a rustic presentation. Or, scoop the skillet into hollowed bell peppers, top with a little extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for a fun twist. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is endlessly adaptable in how it’s plated, so feel free to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Cool the skillet completely, then transfer to an airtight container. This makes for amazing meal-prep lunches or another cozy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the skillet cool and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Just note that the texture of the pasta may soften a little upon reheating, but the flavors stay satisfying and comforting.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to distribute the heat evenly and keep everything deliciously creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells all work beautifully in Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Just make sure the cooking time matches what’s needed for your chosen pasta shape and adjust the liquid as necessary.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent lighter alternatives. You can follow the recipe exactly as written—just keep in mind that turkey and chicken may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a dash of olive oil if things look too dry.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is super popular with kids thanks to its mild flavors, gooey cheese, and easy-to-eat pasta shapes. If your crew likes a little kick, let them sprinkle on red pepper flakes at the table.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta and make sure your beef broth and other canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks—gluten-free pasta may need a bit less or more time.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Give the skillet a good stir every few minutes while it simmers and cooks; this helps keep the pasta from sticking together and ensures even cooking. If things look dry before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash more broth or water.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet yet, now’s your chance to make a new weeknight favorite that’s both satisfying and simple. This is the kind of comfort food that always draws everyone to the table—and I can’t wait for you to taste just how amazing a one-pan cheesy pasta dinner can be!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
8 ounces uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add onion and garlic: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
Season: Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine ingredients: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.