Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered together with pasta, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings. Topped with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this creamy and comforting dish comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Liquids and Canned Goods

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 ½ cups beef broth

Pasta

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)

Cheese and Garnish

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Drain Excess Grease: If there is excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it off to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Add Uncooked Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, pushing it down so it is submerged in the liquid as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
Melt Cheese into Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta.
Melt Topping Cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the top layer of cheese to melt.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then serve the cheesy ground beef pasta warm.

Notes

Red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder dish or increase for more heat.
Use any short pasta shape such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Be careful when draining grease so as not to lose any browned bits that add flavor.
Covering the skillet while melting cheese helps achieve a perfect gooey topping.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheese and broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American