Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe: Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful cheesy ground beef pasta skillet can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Comfort flows through every forkful of this hearty dish.

Savory beef mingles with melted cheese, creating layers of mouthwatering flavor.

Weeknight meals rarely come together this easily or taste this incredible.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly spectacular that makes you feel like a kitchen champion.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore how quickly this skillet comes together.

Let’s jump into a recipe that promises to become your new dinnertime favorite.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Is a Must-Try

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this ground beef pasta skillet delivers delicious results in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty beef, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making family mealtime a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using different cheese types or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredient Lineup for Beef Pasta Skillet

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Delightful base for a hearty meal.

• Ground Beef: Flavorful and protein-packed protein source.

• Mozzarella: Creamy and melty cheese for delicious topping.

• Salt: Classic seasoning for depth of flavor.
• Black Pepper: Spicy and warming seasoning.
• Garlic: Aromatic and zesty flavor enhancer.
• Onions: Sweet and savory vegetable base.
• Chili Flakes: Spicy kick for extra heat.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy and rich flavor booster.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing.
• Tomato Paste: Rich and concentrated tomato flavor.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid for sauce consistency.

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta until it’s slightly firmer than perfect (al dente).

Save a half cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing.

Set aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Build Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.

Add ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking for about 2 minutes.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic
• Chopped onions
• Red chili flakes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Fresh parsley

Pour in the reserved pasta water and let the mixture simmer until the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens, around 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Melt Cheese

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture.

Sprinkle in mozzarella cheese and stir to combine.

Top with additional cheese and cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the cheese to melt completely.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by sprinkling extra fresh parsley on top.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors of this comforting pasta skillet.

Smart Tips for Cheesy Pasta Skillet

• Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions to maintain ideal al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Save pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce and enhances overall dish flavor.
• Brown ground beef on high heat initially, then reduce to medium for even cooking and to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
• Add mozzarella in two stages – first mixed into the skillet, then sprinkled on top for a beautiful melted cheese layer with crispy edges.
• Garnish with extra parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Beef Pasta Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of reserved pasta water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Good Pairings for Cheesy Pasta Skillet

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the beef pasta, cutting through the cheese's creaminess with its tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a fresh and zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread brushed with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Herbaceous Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or additional parsley over the pasta to introduce a bright, green note that lifts the dish's richness and adds visual appeal.

Skillet Pasta Twists to Explore

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free option that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, meaty flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using the same seasonings to create a protein-packed meatless alternative that keeps the dish's robust taste.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitutes like cashew cheese to create a creamy texture for those avoiding dairy, ensuring the skillet remains just as satisfying and flavorful.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and include a touch of cumin to transform the recipe into a zesty southwestern-inspired meal with an extra kick.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of chili flakes, which adds mild heat. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them completely if you prefer a non-spicy version.

• What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?

Cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses work great as substitutes. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beef and pasta flavors.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix with freshly cooked pasta and cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, blending hearty flavors with simple ingredients. Creamy, melted cheese and savory beef create a quick one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Pasta and Aromatics:

• 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta al dente according to package instructions, removing it from boiling water one minute early to maintain a slight firmness. Carefully set aside half a cup of pasta water before draining, ensuring no rinsing occurs.
2. Heat a large skillet over high temperature and add olive oil. Introduce ground beef, vigorously breaking it into crumbled pieces using a wooden spoon until perfectly browned, approximately two minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and season the meat with salt and black pepper. Incorporate minced garlic, diced onions, red chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, creating a rich, aromatic base.
4. Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring thoroughly to integrate all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the beef become tender and the flavors meld together, around 8-10 minutes.
5. Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring complete coating with the savory meat sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously throughout the dish, creating pockets of melting goodness.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing residual heat to melt the cheese to a luxurious, stretchy consistency. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor.

Notes

• Always cook pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the beef mixture, preventing mushy texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but ensure enough moisture by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles and verify Worcestershire sauce ingredients.
• Experiment with cheese variations like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to create different flavor profiles while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg