Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices); 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shells; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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When you crave the ultimate comfort meal—one that can be whipped up any night of the week and devoured by everyone at the table—this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the answer. From the savory, well-seasoned beef to the tender pasta swaddled in a blanket of creamy, gooey cheese, this dish delivers those nostalgic, homey flavors you know and love. Even better? It all comes together in a single pan with minimal fuss, delivering big flavors in under 40 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug at the end of a busy day!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is a symphony of simple, readily available ingredients that work together beautifully. Each plays a special role in creating the signature taste, mouthfeel, and vibrant appearance that makes Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet so irresistible.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for maximum flavor, but leaner blends work if you prefer.
Olive oil: Just a splash to sauté the onions and help the flavors build from the start.
Yellow onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and body to the dish.
Garlic: Essential for a subtle, savory backbone—don’t skip these fragrant cloves.
Beef broth: Adds rich depth and savory notes, infusing the pasta as it cooks.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Lend brightness, tang, and juiciness for a well-balanced sauce.
Tomato sauce: Combines with diced tomatoes to create a lusciously creamy base.
Italian seasoning: Delivers herbaceous, classic Italian-inspired flavor in one pinch.
Paprika: Introduces mild warmth and inviting color to the skillet.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—adjust to taste!
Salt and black pepper: Season to perfection and let all the other flavors shine.
Uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shells: These fun shapes hold on to all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts down luxuriously for a bold, creamy finish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor to your finished skillet.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft. Follow up with the minced garlic, giving it just about 30 seconds to bloom—that’s when your kitchen starts to smell amazing and the flavors come alive.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into your skillet with the softened onion and garlic. Break it apart with your spatula, and let it cook until it’s beautifully browned and no more pink remains. This step locks in loads of savory flavor. If there’s extra grease after browning, carefully spoon it off before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now it’s time to get saucy! Pour in the beef broth, adding in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and the optional red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine, and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer—this is where the magic really starts.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta shells straight into the skillet. Stir them in so they’re coated and submerged in all that saucy goodness. Pop a tight-fitting lid on and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has cooked down into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy

With the heat off, add both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted, completely coating every single piece of pasta in creamy, cheesy bliss. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle in some fresh parsley for color and pop!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A flurry of freshly chopped parsley scattered on top adds fresh aroma and color contrast to your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. If you want a little extra zing, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or an extra handful of shredded cheese right over the top makes for an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a full meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli for a touch of crunch and freshness. A slice of warm, crusty bread is never a bad idea for mopping up every bit of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive family dinner, serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet straight from the skillet at the table—let everyone dig in! If you’re feeding a crowd, scoop individual portions into ramekins and top with a little extra cheese, then pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to three days, making weekday lunches a breeze and quick dinners even easier.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual or family-sized portions of the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. This dish freezes surprisingly well for up to three months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pasta seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth and stir until creamy once again. The cheesy magic returns in no time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or shells give that classic feel, penne, rotini, or any short pasta will work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add more broth if needed.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef?

Yes, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Both will soak up the flavors of the sauce nicely, though the taste profile will be slightly lighter.

What cheeses work best if I want to try something different?

Besides cheddar and mozzarella, Monterey Jack or a little pepper jack add great flavor and melt beautifully. You can even play with smoked gouda for a unique twist.

Is Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet spicy?

This dish has just a hint of warmth from paprika and optional red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to heat, simply omit the red pepper or reduce the quantity to your liking.

Can I add extra vegetables to this skillet?

Yes! Stir in some baby spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini during the simmering step—they’ll blend right in and boost the color and nutrition without much effort.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet to turn an ordinary weeknight into something special. This recipe is pure, dependable comfort, and honestly, it just begs to be shared. Whip it up soon and watch everyone come running to the table!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta cooked in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce, loaded with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this dish is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Add the uncooked pasta, stir to combine, and cover with a lid. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.