This cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is the ultimate comfort food! The savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich, melty cheese create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
This recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner idea, as it’s quick and simple to prepare, but full of flavor that will satisfy everyone in the family. It’s a one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze, and you can always customize it with your favorite pasta or extra toppings like sautéed veggies or more cheese. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
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Add chopped onion and garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
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Add the pasta and beef broth to the skillet, then bring it to a simmer.
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Cover the skillet and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
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Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
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Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal per serving Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
The beauty of this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is that it’s easy to make yet still packed with flavor. It’s perfect for those days when you want to whip up something delicious without a lot of hassle. With only a handful of ingredients, this dish can be thrown together in under an hour, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal, this skillet pasta offers a simple yet satisfying solution.
Ingredient Quality Matters
The key to making this dish really shine is using the best ingredients you can find. For example, using grass-fed ground beef can make a significant difference in the taste of the dish. Grass-fed beef tends to have a richer, more distinct flavor compared to conventional beef, and it’s also a healthier option. When selecting cheese, opt for a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives like potato starch to prevent clumping, so shredding it yourself ensures you’re using a cleaner ingredient without unnecessary additives.
Choosing the Right Pasta
For this recipe, a variety of medium-length pasta shapes will work well. In the photos for this recipe, malloreddus is used, which is a small Sardinian gnocchi. However, pasta shapes like rotini, cavatelli, or shells are excellent alternatives. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility; you can pick your favorite pasta shape, and it will still turn out delicious. The pasta’s texture is important because it absorbs the cheesy, savory sauce, creating a satisfying bite.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Sauce
When it comes to the sauce, you can use a store-bought pasta sauce or make your own if you have the time. Using high-quality store-bought sauce can save you time and still deliver great results. Look for pasta sauces made with natural ingredients, and feel free to add your own spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. For those who love a little kick, don’t skimp on the red pepper flakes – they add the perfect touch of heat to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
A One-Pan Wonder
One of the standout features of this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is that it’s made in one pan. The entire dish, from browning the beef to baking the cheese, happens in the same skillet. This not only makes for a quicker cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld together more seamlessly. Once the beef is cooked and the sauce has simmered, you simply stir in the pasta and cheese, then bake everything in the skillet until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy
What really makes this dish unforgettable is the cheese. As the pasta bakes in the skillet, the cheddar cheese melts and combines with the pasta and sauce to create a creamy, cheesy coating. Each bite is comforting and indulgent, with the savory beef and rich cheese perfectly complementing the pasta. The sharp cheddar adds a nice tang that cuts through the richness of the beef, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is its versatility. While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it out for another protein, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute like lentils or mushrooms. The choice of pasta can also be customized to your liking, and if you’re looking to make the dish a bit lighter, you could use whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta.
Feel free to add extra vegetables to the dish, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for a more colorful and nutritious meal. You can even experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gouda, to give the dish your own twist.
A Family Favorite
This cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is perfect for families because it’s a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy. The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the ease of making it means you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones rather than in the kitchen. It’s also a great recipe to make in bulk, as it reheats well and makes for excellent leftovers the next day.
A Satisfying Comfort Food Dish
This recipe hits all the right notes when it comes to comfort food. The combination of ground beef, cheesy pasta, and tomato sauce is reminiscent of classic American dishes like cheeseburger casserole, making it a meal that feels nostalgic yet fresh. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping are perfect for those nights when you’re craving something indulgent without a lot of effort.
Perfect for Leftovers
One of the best things about this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is that it makes for great leftovers. The pasta holds up well after being stored in the fridge and reheats easily, making it a perfect meal prep option. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cheese or sauce, and you’ve got a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner ready to go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together effortlessly and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or as leftovers, this dish delivers on taste and ease. The versatility of the recipe also allows you to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extra veggies, making it a recipe you can adapt to fit your preferences. If you’re in need of a no-fuss meal that everyone will love, this cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is the way to go.