The Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. Imagine tender pasta perfectly cooked in a savory sauce brimming with browned ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and cozy Italian herbs—all topped with melty cheese that stretches with every bite. This satisfying skillet dish comes together quickly, uses just one pot to save on cleanup, and fills your kitchen with the warm aromas that promise comfort and deliciousness in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color in your skillet meal. Each component has its role, from the hearty ground beef providing richness, to the aromatic garlic and onion building depth, and the cheese delivering that irresistible creamy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Opt for lean beef or ground turkey to keep things flavorful without excessive grease.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a little crunch when cooked just right.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory aroma that wakes up the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers juiciness and a slight tang without watering down your sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Builds a savory base that helps cook the pasta and infuses it with flavor.
- 8 oz uncooked pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work wonderfully to hold onto the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs essential for that classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough kick to balance richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or mozzarella, Monterey Jack—choose your favorite for a melty, gooey finish.
- Chopped parsley or basil: Fresh herbs to brighten and add a pop of color.
- Extra shredded cheese: For topping and that irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, while still retaining the meat’s savory richness.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion right into the same skillet with your cooked beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it doesn’t turn bitter but adds that deep aromatic layer everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes along with the beef broth to keep the pasta moist as it cooks. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors blend in harmony.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now comes the fun part—add the uncooked pasta straight into the skillet, stirring to make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook on medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash more broth. This method ensures your pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top evenly. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy, gooey layer. Then, give it a quick stir to combine all that cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil and an extra handful of shredded cheese on top for an irresistible presentation that will have every forkful tasting like a warm hug.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top isn’t just for looks—these vibrant greens brighten the overall taste and provide a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce. A little extra shredded cheese melted over the top adds that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you like, pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make wonderful accompaniments, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls, topping each portion with a little extra cheese and herbs. You can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat, or a drizzle of olive oil infused with garlic for an elevated finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the cheese nice and melty when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish as well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to redistribute the cheese and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered loosely with a damp paper towel for a minute or two until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a lighter version, and even plant-based ground meat substitutes can make this recipe vegetarian-friendly with great taste.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, rigatoni, and elbow macaroni are all excellent because they hold the sauce beautifully. Feel free to experiment with any pasta you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep everything safe and tasty.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini add extra nutrition and flavor. Add them right after the onions to sauté alongside the meat and garlic.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when you add the seasonings or top each serving with a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that complements the cheesy richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe is one of those reliable, crowd-pleasing dishes that you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick to prepare, satisfies that comfort food craving, and cleans up easily. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender pasta cooked right in the skillet with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and a melty cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients into a comforting, satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef (lean beef or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Liquids and Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender. Add additional broth if the liquid reduces too quickly during cooking.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. Stir gently to combine the cheese throughout the pasta mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta skillet warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content.
- Use your favorite pasta shape, but smaller shapes like penne or elbow macaroni work best for even cooking.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- If the pasta isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes, add a splash more broth and continue cooking until tender.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
