Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – Easy, Hearty, One-Pan Dinner

This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is the ultimate comfort food! Ready in 30 minutes with just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Introduction

When you need dinner on the table fast and want something the whole family will devour, this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is your secret weapon! This hearty one-pan meal combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese into pure comfort food perfection.

What makes this recipe so amazing? Everything cooks in just one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time with your loved ones. The pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors as it cooks, creating a rich, satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet has become a staple in our house because it’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and always delivers that cozy, home-cooked taste we all crave. Plus, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese & Finishing:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef and Aromatics

1. Heat the skillet: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
2. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Don’t drain the fat – it adds flavor!
3. Add onions: Push beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
4. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Pasta and Liquids

5. Add pasta and tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked pasta and drained diced tomatoes, mixing everything together evenly.
6. Pour in broth: Add beef broth, making sure pasta is mostly covered. If needed, add a little water to cover the pasta completely.
7. Bring to a boil: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

Finish the Dish

8. Simmer: Cook covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Check pasta for doneness – it should be al dente.
9. Add cream: If using heavy cream, stir it in now for extra richness.
10. Add cheese: Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle both cheeses over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
11. Garnish and serve: Stir gently to incorporate melted cheese, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Pasta Substitutions:

• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber
• Try zucchini noodles for a low-carb version
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly too
• Shells and rotini hold the cheese sauce best

Meat Alternatives:

• Ground turkey or chicken work great
• Italian sausage adds extra flavor
• Ground pork is another tasty option
• For vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat

Storage & Reheating:

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
• Reheat in microwave with a splash of broth
• Freezes well for up to 2 months
• Add extra cheese when reheating for best results

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad
• Top with sour cream and green onions
• Add a dollop of marinara sauce
• Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best because they cook evenly and hold the cheese sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or angel hair.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even cream cheese for different flavors. A mix of sharp and mild cheeses creates the best taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid. If the pasta starts sticking, add a little more broth or water.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything except cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, then stir in cheese before serving.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

Chicken broth works just as well, or you can use water with bouillon cubes. The beef broth just adds extra flavor to complement the ground beef.

How can I make this healthier?

Use lean ground beef (93/7), whole wheat pasta, and reduce the cheese slightly. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a very large skillet or Dutch oven and increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes. You may need extra broth to cook all the pasta properly.

Conclusion

This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is everything a weeknight dinner should be – quick, delicious, and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the dinner table, with everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this one-pan wonder lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily customize it with your family’s favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s comfort food at its finest, without any of the fuss.

Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, looking for an easy meal prep option, or just want something cozy and delicious, this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet delivers every single time. It’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Call to Action

Ready to make this amazing cheesy ground beef pasta skillet? Head to your kitchen and give it a try tonight! I promise your family will be asking you to make it again and again.

I’d love to hear how your skillet turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried or what your family thought. Did you add any special ingredients that made it even better?

Don’t forget to take a picture of your delicious creation and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your masterpiece! And if this recipe saved your weeknight dinner routine, please share it with other busy parents who need a reliable go-to meal.

Looking for more easy one-pan dinners? Check out my collection of skillet recipes that are perfect for busy families. Happy cooking!