Looking for a quick and hearty dinner that everyone will love? This delightful Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is your answer! It’s a delicious combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and melty cheese, creating an irresistible dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and beefy flavor will please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this dish to your taste or dietary needs with different spices or pasta types.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required as everything cooks in a single skillet!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds a unique depth of flavor, resulting in a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- 2 cups ziti pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, but ziti holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil: A splash of this enhances flavors and keeps everything from sticking.
- 1 lb ground beef: Opt for leaner meat to reduce excess oil.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Crushed red chili flakes: Optional, but a must for those who love a little heat.
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce: Depth and umami in just a few drops.
- 2 tbs tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor in a small package.
- 1 onion, chopped: Sweetness and texture with every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley: Freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt to taste: Enhances every other flavor in the skillet.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: The ultimate cheesy topping!
Variations
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is as versatile as it is delicious. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste or dietary needs!
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace the beef with your favorite plant-based protein or a medley of vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar or gouda for a new flavor twist.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook your ziti pasta until just shy of al dente, about one minute less than the package instructions suggest. Don’t forget to reserve that half cup of pasta water—it’ll come in handy for creating a luscious sauce later!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. After about 2 minutes, reduce the heat to medium and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Add garlic, onions, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, chili flakes. Continue stirring in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and parsley, along with the reserved pasta water. Let it simmer until the meat is tender and infused with flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Toss in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella. Stir everything together before topping with the remaining cheese. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Garnish with extra parsley right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Brown the Beef Just Right: Browning the beef on high heat locks in flavors—don’t skip this step!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds color but elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Cheese Excellence: Use freshly grated mozzarella to ensure it melts smoothly into the pasta.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the skillet before serving. This little touch adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The crisp crunch from the salad balances perfectly with the creamy, rich pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in individual ramekins. Top each with a small basil leaf or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a gourmet feel that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months. This makes it easy to whip up a quick meal on a busy night!
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to bring back creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time, and store them separately. When ready, combine and heat with fresh cheese for the best results.
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What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
You can use soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar as a substitute. They’ll offer a similar umami taste to your dish.
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Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, substitute the ziti pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or asiago for a different taste experience.
Final Thoughts
Gather your ingredients and try this delightful Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet today. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for bringing people together. Enjoy the preparation as much as you’ll enjoy the dish—it’s truly a classic worth revisiting!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and hearty cheesy ground beef pasta skillet that combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting family-friendly meal. Perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, removing 1 minute early. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse.
- Cook beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, approximately 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics and add liquids: Stir in garlic, chopped onion, chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved pasta water. Simmer until the beef is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cheese: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix well to combine.
- Finish with cheese: Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked pasta; if not, cook fresh as instructed.
- Adjust the chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
