Are you in search of a quick, delicious, and hearty meal for a busy weeknight? Look no further! This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe is the perfect answer to your cravings. Loaded with flavorful ground beef, tender pasta, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that will have your whole family coming back for seconds. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to master this mouthwatering dish.

What is Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pan dish that combines ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The key to this recipe is simplicity—everything is cooked in a single skillet, from browning the beef to simmering the pasta. It’s a perfect go-to recipe when you're short on time but still want to prepare something homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re serving a family of picky eaters or need a reliable weeknight meal, this cheesy, savory dish won’t disappoint.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients needed to make this delicious skillet meal. These components work together to give the dish its flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness:
- 1 pound ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a balanced fat content that adds flavor without being overly greasy.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta: Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are excellent choices. They hold up well in the skillet and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts the savory notes.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: This forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and depth to the dish, helping to cook the pasta.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and warmth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that makes the dish extra cheesy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Optional Add-Ins)
To elevate the dish or customize it to your taste, here are some optional ingredients you can include:
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream: For a creamier sauce, add a little sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced: Adds a slight crunch and additional sweetness.
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced: For a hearty and earthy flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is already delicious as is, there are a few simple substitutions and variations that can cater to your personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out the ground beef for leaner options like ground turkey or chicken if you want to reduce the fat content.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: If you're looking for a healthier option or need to avoid gluten, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian option: You can skip the meat entirely and substitute it with plant-based ground beef or extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
- Cheese choices: Don’t be limited to cheddar! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well in this recipe. For a sharper flavor, try using a bit of Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. This recipe is designed to be simple, but taking it one step at a time ensures you get perfect results every time.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Once the oil is hot, add diced onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it's fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the beef and seasonings.
- Add beef broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet, stirring everything together.
- Add uncooked pasta: Stir the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. The liquid from the tomatoes and beef broth will cook the pasta as it simmers.
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Stir in cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Optional cream: If using sour cream or heavy cream, stir it in now for a creamier sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
The beauty of this recipe is that it simplifies the cooking process by using just one skillet. Here’s a breakdown of the critical steps:
- Cooking the beef: Browning the ground beef helps to develop a rich, savory flavor, which forms the base of the dish. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks to avoid large clumps.
- Creating the sauce: The combination of crushed tomatoes and beef broth adds moisture and richness to the dish. Adding seasonings early in the cooking process ensures that the flavors meld well.
- Cooking the pasta: By adding uncooked pasta to the skillet, it absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. This method not only saves time but also enhances the overall taste.
- Melting the cheese: Stirring the cheese into the skillet while the dish is still hot ensures that it melts evenly, creating a gooey and irresistible texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet:
- Not browning the beef properly: Skipping this step can lead to bland, rubbery beef. Make sure the meat is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- Adding too much liquid: It’s important to stick to the recommended amount of broth and tomatoes, or the sauce will be too watery.
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy pasta.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting, casual dish that can be dressed up with a few presentation tips:
- Serve with garlic bread: The cheesy pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy garlic bread.
- Fresh green salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs: A little chopped parsley or basil on top of the dish adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This dish is perfect for family-style serving. Bring the skillet to the table and allow everyone to serve themselves. You can also portion it into bowls for easy, casual dining. Serve with extra grated cheese on the side for anyone who wants an extra cheesy topping.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
To make this simple dish look even more appealing, try these ideas:
- Color contrast: Use a white or light-colored serving dish to make the red sauce and melted cheese pop visually.
- Herb garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh green parsley or basil to make the dish look more vibrant.
- Cheese pull moment: For that Instagram-worthy shot, capture the moment when the melted cheese stretches as you scoop out a portion.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe Tips
- Cook the pasta to al dente: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook after the skillet is removed from the heat, so avoid overcooking it during the simmering process.
- Don’t skimp on cheese: This is, after all, a cheesy dish! Use plenty of cheese for that irresistible creamy texture.
- Make it spicier: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead of time. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or even farfalle.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect combination of beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you follow the recipe as is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make one-pan meal. With savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner option. Keywords: cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, one-pan beef recipe, skillet dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Pasta
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
- Add pasta and water, cover and cook until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheese, let it melt, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Use any pasta shape, but shorter types like penne work best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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