Zesty Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a hearty cheesy ground beef pasta skillet promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Savory beef mingles with melted cheese, creating an irresistible one-pan wonder.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated steps.

Home cooks can relax knowing dinner prep takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Perfectly seasoned meat combines with tender noodles and gooey cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying blend of textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that’ll become your new weeknight staple.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Serves Up Weeknight Satisfaction

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this hearty meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this skillet recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, saving time on dishes and making cooking a breeze.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Combines kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese into a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients to create a satisfying meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Contents

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base that provides hearty flavor and protein for the main dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and robust flavor foundation.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates a fresh, tangy sauce base with chunky texture.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meaty flavor and adds moisture to the skillet.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base that helps bind and thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall seasoning.

• Pasta (Elbow, Penne, or Rotini): Hearty carbohydrate that provides texture and substance.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, sharp flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness during cooking.

Cooking Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Meaty Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a deliciously browned crumble.

Use a spoon to break up the meat and drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create A Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every strand gets coated with the savory sauce.

Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt In Cheesy Goodness

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it melts into a creamy, irresistible coating.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy your one-pan wonder!

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Done With Pro Finesse

• Use a colander to efficiently remove excess grease from ground beef, ensuring a lighter, less oily dish.
• Let the skillet sit off heat for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving to add a bright, fresh finish to the cheesy pasta skillet.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Keep It Fresh Next Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Revive pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated evenly.
• Freeze cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Pasta Skillet Side Dishes

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy ground beef pasta, cutting through the heaviness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a bright, acidic contrast to the hearty, cheesy pasta dish, balancing the meal's richness.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy texture and complementary garlic notes that enhance the Italian-style seasoning in the skillet pasta, creating a complete and satisfying dining experience.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add nutritional value and a delightful vegetable element that cuts through the dish's creamy cheese and meaty profile.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Use a low-carb cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra zest.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe. Choose lean options for a healthier dish.

• Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells can replace the pasta in this recipe. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar for proper pasta texture.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can partially prepare the dish by browning the meat and sautéing vegetables ahead of time. When ready to serve, complete the recipe by adding pasta and cheese.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, blending hearty flavors with easy preparation. Savory beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Oil:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a heated skillet with olive oil, crumbling the meat until it browns evenly and releases excess fat.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them soften and release aromatic flavors into the meat.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, robust beef broth, tangy tomato sauce, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant sauce.
4. Gently nestle uncooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful liquid. Cover and simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
5. Monitor pasta’s tenderness, allowing it to absorb the rich sauce and become perfectly al dente.
6. Once pasta reaches ideal texture, remove skillet from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a luxurious, creamy coating.
7. Let the skillet rest briefly, allowing the cheese to integrate and the flavors to meld together before serving the steaming, cheesy creation.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg