If you’re craving a speedy, family-pleasing dinner that barely makes a dent in your kitchen sink, Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together tender pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a gooey, bubbling cheese blanket—all cooked together in one trusty skillet. It’s deeply savory, boldly flavored, and delivers pure comfort in every bite. The best part? You don’t need tons of time, fancy ingredients, or culinary gymnastics to bring this satisfying classic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet does double duty: simplicity meets maximum flavor and color. These kitchen staples unite to create a one-pan meal that tastes like your favorite comfort food (with zero stress at clean-up time!).
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base and rich flavor that’s at the heart of this skillet recipe.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ensures the onions cook evenly and lends a subtle richness to the finished dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth, mellowing out as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic punch and that classic Italian backbone.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An all-in-one mix for herby brightness and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends color and a hint of smokiness for complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the flavors with gentle heat.
- 2 cups beef broth: Rich liquid that cooks the pasta and deepens the overall taste.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides savory, tangy, classic pasta comfort.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds juicy bites and a pop of tomato flavor.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni: Soaks up all the goodness, becoming tender in the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts dreamily for maximum cheesy factor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty-savory depth and extra cheesiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens up each serving with color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sizzle until softened and translucent—about three minutes. This is where the flavorful foundation is set, and the kitchen will already smell incredible.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about five to six minutes. If there’s a lot of excess grease, feel free to drain a bit off—the flavors will still cling beautifully to the beef.
Step 3: Season for Depth
Now, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let everything mingle for a full minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom. This is the magic moment where the dish starts to build real complexity.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes, then add your chosen pasta shape. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is mostly submerged. This means all those noodles will absorb max flavor as they cook right in the pan.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then drop the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally—this keeps the pasta from sticking and helps it cook evenly. The pasta should become tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed.
Step 6: Go Big on Cheesy Goodness
Take the skillet off the heat, and while everything’s still piping hot, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. They’ll melt into the pasta and sauce, creating that irresistible, creamy finish Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is known for.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Last but not least, scatter fresh parsley over the top for a splash of color and brightness. Dish up while it’s hot and gooey—this is comfort food in its happiest form!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
The finishing touches on your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet can make it look (and taste) extra special. A shower of freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness, but don’t stop there! Try a pinch of extra Parmesan, a light dusting of red pepper flakes, or even thinly sliced green onions for a pop of zesty flavor.
Side Dishes
This skillet supper is plenty hearty on its own, but some simple sides can round out the meal. Think crisp green salads with a zingy vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans. Whatever you choose, you’ll have the perfect plate alongside your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add a little flair? Serve individual portions in oven-proof bowls, then broil with a little extra cheddar and Parmesan until bubbly and golden. Or, top each serving with crushed crunchy fried onions for an unexpected twist. For a party, scoop smaller servings into ramekins and line up on a tray for easy, cheesy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet keeps well in the refrigerator. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so lunch the next day is something to look forward to!
Freezing
The good news: this dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely before portioning into airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers into a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth or water, gently warming until hot and creamy again. For individual servings, the microwave works fine—just heat in bursts and stir between each one to keep the cheese luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While shells or macaroni work beautifully, feel free to substitute penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just check for doneness toward the end of the cooking time.
What ground meat substitutes work best?
If you’d like to lean a little lighter, ground turkey or chicken make delicious swaps. You can even mix in some Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor. The Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is really flexible when it comes to protein choices.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach after browning the beef. They’ll soften as the pasta simmers and blend right in, adding color and nutrition.
Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead for meal prep?
This skillet is great for meal prepping! You can cook it in advance and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners. The flavors hold up well in the fridge, making it a practical and delicious option for busy weeks.
Is there a way to make this dish creamier?
For a truly decadent touch, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream just before adding the cheese. This adds an extra layer of richness and silkiness to your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet without any extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s both easygoing and utterly satisfying, give Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet a try. With its hearty beef, tender noodles, and cheesy goodness, it’s the kind of meal everyone around the table will remember. Grab your favorite skillet and some pantry staples—your new go-to comfort recipe is just 30 minutes away!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Savory ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, then simmered with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Finished with a generous amount of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Pasta: Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and pasta to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream before the cheese.
- Substitute mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
