Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable cheesy ground beef pasta skillet never felt so effortless!

Comfort food lovers will adore this hearty one-pan marvel that comes together in minutes.

Layers of rich, melted cheese blanket perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender pasta shells.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers with minimal cleanup.

Busy home cooks can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Each forkful promises a symphony of savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Is a Quick Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick adjustments like adding extra spices, switching cheese types, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal tastes.
• Master Quickly: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal cooking skills, with simple steps that guarantee a delicious result even for novice home cooks.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single skillet, saving time and reducing post-meal dish washing.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this skillet meal.
• Ziti Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides a perfect texture for this cheesy dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a creamy and stretchy coating for the pasta.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation of flavor for the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Crushed Red Chili Flakes, Pepper: Add depth and a subtle kick of heat to enhance the overall taste.
• Tomato Paste: Offers a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, clean flavor and beautiful green garnish.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside, ready to join the flavor party.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and sizzling, breaking it into delicious crumbles as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Black pepper
• Crushed red chili flakes (optional)

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Build The Sauce

Splash in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.

Stir and simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together and create a rich, tangy base.

Step 5: Combine And Melt

Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Chopped fresh parsley

Stir until the cheese melts completely, coating every pasta strand with creamy goodness.

Step 6: Season And Finish

Taste and adjust the salt to your liking.

Ensure everything is perfectly combined and piping hot.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and inviting.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Slightly undercook ziti by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness when mixed with beef and sauce.
• Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to keep the dish less greasy and enhance flavor concentration.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged for smoother, creamier texture and better melting.
• Adjust chili flakes based on heat preference, or substitute with paprika for mild warmth without intense spiciness.
• Chop parsley right before adding to maintain vibrant color and maximize fresh flavor profile.

Variations on Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ziti or replace pasta with zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the cheesy, savory flavors intact.
• Spicy Chorizo Remix: Swap ground beef for spicy chorizo sausage to add a bold, smoky kick to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with additional side dishes like crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the hearty skillet.
• Family-Style Serving: Place the entire skillet in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portions for a casual, interactive dining experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top individual servings with extra protein like crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or a fried egg for added nutrition and flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or roasted zucchini on top to increase the nutritional value and add vibrant colors.

How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption from other foods.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Gently stir until heated through and the cheese melts smoothly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef in this recipe.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has optional chili flakes, so you can control the heat level by adding or skipping them based on your preference.

• What if I don't have ziti pasta?

You can substitute ziti with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini without changing the recipe’s overall taste.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cheese like cheddar instead of mozzarella, and buy ground meat when it’s on sale to reduce overall cost.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy ground beef pasta skillet delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible pan. Melted cheese, hearty beef, and perfectly cooked pasta create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and delights senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve.
2. Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, breaking into crumbles until golden brown and no pink remains, approximately 6 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, black pepper, and red chili flakes, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop rich flavors and prevent burning, cooking for 2 minutes.
5. Fold cooked ziti into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution and coating of pasta with the savory sauce.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet, gently mixing until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and color.
8. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the melted cheese to remain gooey and appetizing.

Notes

• Make the dish spicier by adding more crushed red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Transform this into a gluten-free meal by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta that holds up well during cooking.
• Boost protein content by mixing in additional lean protein sources like diced chicken or plant-based crumbles for variety.
• prepare the entire skillet ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating quickly for a fast weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 598 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg