Description
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses in a flavorful tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat to warm up.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain Excess Grease: If there is any excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it to prevent sogginess.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to evenly incorporate the seasonings.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Add Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, pushing it down to be fully submerged under the liquid.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Try using different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for variety.
- Covering the skillet tightly while melting cheese ensures it melts evenly and becomes perfectly gooey.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
