If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to make the whole family swoon, the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a game-changer. This one-pan wonder delivers savory ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a glorious melty blanket of cheese — all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s pure comfort in a skillet, with simple steps and ingredients you probably have on hand. Whether you’re busy, tired, or just in need of a little cheesy joy, this dish covers all the bases for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how pantry staples transform into a meal so comforting and flavorful. Each ingredient in the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet plays an important role, helping to build layers of taste, texture, and plenty of appetizing color for your table.
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich, beefy flavor—the foundation of the whole dish.
- Olive Oil: Helps soften the onions and adds a subtle, fruity finish.
- Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, making every bite more savory.
- Garlic: A must for big flavor—adds a delicious aromatic punch as it sautés.
- Italian Seasoning: The herbs tie everything together, giving that classic, familiar comfort.
- Paprika: Gives just a hint of smoky warmth (and a little color boost for the sauce).
- Salt & Pepper: Absolute essentials for balance and seasoning—be sure to taste and adjust as you go.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the pasta and sauce with extra savory depth (and helps cook everything evenly).
- Diced Tomatoes: Bring juiciness, acidity, and little pops of tomato flavor throughout.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates that luscious, clingy base for the pasta and meat.
- Uncooked Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Cooks right in the sauce, soaking up everything for max flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to add sharp, creamy richness on top.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Stretches and melts for that irresistible cheesy pull in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant pop for contrast and a pretty garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Grab your largest skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it turns wonderfully soft and fragrant. This simple step makes such a difference, infusing the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a subtle sweetness right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet with your onions. As it cooks, break it up with your spatula so you get those perfect little crumbles. Wait until it’s browned all over—this is what brings out those deep, meaty flavors. Don’t forget to drain any extra fat so your meal isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Now it’s time to really build the flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, plus a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Let everything sizzle together for about a minute, just until the garlic blooms and the spices wake up. Your kitchen will smell amazing—the classic start to this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Give it all a good stir to make sure the pasta is evenly mixed in. Bring the whole thing up to a bubbly boil—this gets everything started for perfectly cooked pasta right in the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover your skillet. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is lovely and tender and all those saucy flavors have mingled. Keep an eye as different pasta shapes vary slightly in timing, but you’re looking for that just-right, al dente bite.
Step 6: Get Cheesy!
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir gently until the cheeses melt into the sauce, making everything luscious and creamy. It turns the whole dish into gooey, cheesy bliss—all that’s left is a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color and fresh flavor!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Finish your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley. For a little extra flair, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan or even a handful of sliced green onions. These add contrast, freshness, and make each serving look truly special.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad, some buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Each of these simple sides complements the savory richness of your skillet, making for a balanced, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch and serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet straight from the pan for that rustic, family-style vibe. For a playful twist, scoop it into individual bowls or ramekins and finish each with extra cheese and a quick broil for bubbling, golden tops. It’s also fun to top each bowl with a big dollop of sour cream and a handful of fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers from your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making lunch or another quick dinner a breeze. The flavors even deepen overnight, so you might find yourself looking forward to seconds!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions for later. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese might lose a touch of creaminess, but the flavors remain spot-on.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat or zap it in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If things look a bit dry, add a splash of beef broth or milk to bring back the saucy coziness. Stir well, re-melt that cheese, and you’re back in comfort food heaven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are perfect for soaking up the tasty sauce, you can swap in any short pasta shape you have on hand, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni. Just keep in mind that cooking times could vary slightly depending on the shape.
Is it possible to make this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth and tomato sauces are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe stays delicious and everyone can enjoy it.
What vegetables can I add to this skillet?
Feel free to get creative—toss in chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Add them at the same time as the onion so they sauté and blend seamlessly into your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully here and make for a slightly lighter version. You might want to boost the seasoning a bit, as these meats are milder than beef, but all the cheesy, saucy goodness remains.
How do I keep the cheese from becoming stringy?
Stir the cheeses in off the heat and make sure they’re at room temperature before adding to the skillet. This helps them melt gently and evenly, creating a smooth, creamy sauce for your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with bold flavor and melty cheese in every bite, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it—after one bite, I bet your family will crave it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pot meal that is quick and easy to make. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses come together for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheeses and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- For added vegetables, stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
