Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, easy-to-make, and incredibly tasty meal that your family will love, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in just one pot, and is loaded with melted cheese, savory ground beef, and tender pasta. Plus, the best part—it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Stay with us as we break down each step in detail, and by the end, you'll have a go-to recipe you'll want to make over and over again.

What is Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pot meal that brings together juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is seasoned with flavorful spices, tomato sauce, and broth, creating a savory base that elevates the whole recipe. Best of all, it’s a simple dish that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. This quick and convenient skillet dinner will quickly become a weeknight staple in your household.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this cheesy and delicious ground beef pasta skillet:

• 1 lb ground beef: For rich, savory flavor, the ground beef is the star of the dish. Feel free to choose your preferred fat content, but lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
• 8 oz pasta: You can use short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. These shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese perfectly.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a hint of sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic, savory depth to the dish.
• 2 cups beef broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds a savory beefy flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds acidity and richness, balancing the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a slightly smoky, earthy flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The main ingredient that makes this dish irresistibly cheesy.
• 2 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, and browning the ground beef.
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to the final dish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to personalize this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meat variations: Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• Pasta alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, or try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Cheese swap: While cheddar cheese adds that signature sharpness, feel free to use mozzarella for a gooey texture or Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
• Veggie boost: Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to make the dish more nutritious. Simply sauté them along with the onions for a balanced meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic, shred the cheese, and measure out your pasta, broth, and tomato sauce. This will make cooking more efficient.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
4. Add the tomato sauce and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and any additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add pasta and broth: Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the beef broth. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is simple, but here’s a breakdown of each critical step:

1. Browning the beef: This step is crucial for building the base flavor. Make sure to cook the beef evenly until it’s no longer pink. Browning helps develop a deep, savory flavor in the dish.
2. Sautéing the aromatics: Onions and garlic add a foundational depth to the dish. Ensure you cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, but not browned.
3. Simmering the sauce: Once the tomato sauce is added, simmering helps concentrate the flavors, ensuring that the sauce is rich and flavorful before the pasta is introduced.
4. Cooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the skillet with the broth allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce, making each bite more flavorful. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
5. Cheesing it up: Incorporating the cheese at the end ensures a rich, creamy texture. Melting half of the cheese into the sauce creates a gooey consistency, while sprinkling the rest on top gives you that satisfying, cheesy topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta to make sure it doesn’t become too soft or mushy. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
• Not draining the beef: Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and if it burns, it can become bitter. Add it to the skillet after the onion has softened to prevent this.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation may not seem important for a cozy weeknight meal, but adding a few garnishes can make this dish look restaurant-worthy.

• Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions sprinkled on top of the cheesy pasta add a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the dish.
• Offer garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread on the side can help soak up any leftover sauce and make the meal feel complete.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Simply spoon generous portions into bowls or onto plates. For a family-style meal, bring the skillet to the table and let everyone serve themselves. It pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even a glass of red wine for the adults.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

For a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, consider these simple presentation ideas:

• Serve the skillet meal in a cast-iron pan or a rustic serving dish to add a homey, comforting feel to the table.
• Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra cheese for a professional touch.
• Use colorful plates or bowls to contrast the rich red sauce and melted cheese, making the dish more visually appealing.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prep the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.
• Leftover magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of this dish for later. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are great alternatives to ground beef in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them with the onions for added nutrition.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan? Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate guide to making a delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, combining the rich flavors of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner ready in no time. Be sure to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite variations!

Print