Description
A quick and easy one-pan Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender pasta, savory beef, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then add the uncooked pasta.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Let the residual heat melt the cheese into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Notes
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet, one pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: cheesy pasta skillet, ground beef pasta, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, skillet pasta recipe