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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop rich flavors and prevent burning, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Fold cooked ziti into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution and coating of pasta with the savory sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet, gently mixing until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and color.
- 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