Nothing beats a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will satisfy the whole family with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 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 cup milk
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Incorporate Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine.
- Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add the pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to allow it to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni works well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
What protein can I use instead of beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Notes & More
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Storage Tip: Freeze in portions for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a foolproof dinner that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a must-try. Enjoy!
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Description
Nothing beats a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will satisfy the whole family with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 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 cup milk
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Incorporate Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine.
- Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add the pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to allow it to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
