Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring a savory blend of ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato flavors, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and requires minimal cleanup. Ideal for families or anyone craving a hearty, delicious skillet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb. ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Pasta & Grains
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked pasta, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt cheese: Stir in shredded cheese and cover skillet again for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
- Season and garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot for a comforting, cheesy pasta meal straight from the skillet.
Notes
- Use penne or elbow macaroni for best results because their shape holds sauce well.
- Diced tomatoes should be drained to prevent excess liquid, which can affect pasta cooking texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with homemade or low-sodium broth.
- Feel free to mix cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and meltability balance.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Optional herbs like fresh parsley or basil add a bright finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
