Soul-Warming Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions like this ground beef pasta skillet that packs serious flavor into every single bite.

Tender pasta intertwines perfectly with seasoned ground beef, creating a magical one-pan meal bursting with rich, comforting flavors.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a delicious symphony that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of savory meat and al dente noodles, bringing warmth and excitement to your evening meal.

The simple yet robust recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish without hours of preparation.

Cheese melts luxuriously over the top, adding a creamy finish that elevates this skillet from good to absolutely irresistible.

Hungry diners won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering meal that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – What to Get Ready

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that creates hearty foundation with deep savory flavor, choose lean variety for less grease.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable adding sweetness and depth, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Provides intense flavor and amazing aromatic punch, fresh cloves offer best taste.

• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base creating rich sauce, select high-quality brand for best taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and natural acidity, look for no-salt-added version.
• Beef Broth: Enhances overall liquid depth, low-sodium option recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs creating Mediterranean profile, dried mix works perfectly.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle warmth and beautiful color, choose fresh ground variety.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers superior flavor.

• Cheese: Melty component creating creamy texture, use sharp cheddar or blend for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish adding freshness and color, chop just before serving for maximum impact.

Tools That Help You Simmer and Stir This Pasta Dish

• Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure pasta, broth, and cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing onions and chopping fresh parsley.
• Colander (optional): Useful for draining excess grease from ground beef.
• Lid: Covers skillet during simmering process to help pasta cook evenly.

How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Without Overdoing It

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns a rich, golden brown. Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for a few minutes, releasing their mouth-watering fragrance.

• Build the Flavor Base

Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavor explosion.

• Simmer and Transform

Crank up the heat until bubbling, then dial it back to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let everything mingle and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

• Cheese It Up

Stir in a generous handful of cheese, then blanket the top with another layer of shredded goodness. Cover for a couple minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into creamy submission.

• Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Shower with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips to Adjust Cheese or Meat Ratios

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish, which reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the onion cooking stage to increase nutritional value.
• Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or using spicy paprika for those who enjoy a kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• This recipe is perfect for minimal cleanup and quick weeknight meals, making it ideal for busy families or college students.

Serve This Pasta Skillet Hot, Right From the Stove

• Comfort Crew Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy beef pasta.
• Weekend Family Feast: Add warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the hearty dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to add extra creaminess and protein boost for hungry appetites.

How to Store and Reheat This Cheesy Skillet Meal

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool dish completely before sealing to maintain flavor and texture.
• Pack meal in freezer-safe containers, lasting 23 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Divide into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm in microwave with splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dried-out edges.

Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ground beef and pasta mingle in this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, creating a comforting one-pan meal packed with rich flavors. Melted cheese and hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying dinner that brings family and friends together around the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 2 cups (240 g) uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear Protein: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, eliminating any excess fat for a cleaner, richer foundation.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth into the skillet, then introduce pasta and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
4. Cooking Consolidation: Elevate heat to bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the pasta absorb the savory liquid, stirring periodically until perfectly tender and al dente.
5. Cheese Transformation: Fold in the first portion of cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, covering briefly to achieve a molten, golden-brown finish.
6. Final Flourish: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, then serve immediately while the dish maintains its warm, comforting appeal.

Notes

• Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Allow residual heat to melt cheese for optimal smoothness, avoiding direct high heat that could cause separation or burning.
• Adjust Italian seasoning and spices to personal taste, considering low-sodium options for health-conscious variations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg