Whip up the ultimate comfort meal with our Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Cozy, delicious, and full of flavor, this skillet dish is the perfect blend of savory beef, gooey cheese, and the earthy warmth of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or just craving something heartwarming, this dish will swiftly become your trusted favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a speedy meal.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce provides a robust flavor profile.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted mozzarella adds a delightful creaminess that’s hard to resist.
- Family Favorite: With its comforting ingredients and hearty textures, it’s bound to be loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet makes the most of simple, humble ingredients. Each one contributes its own special touch, creating a dish that’s delightfully rich and satisfying.
- Ziti Pasta: Perfect for catching sauce in its ridges, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps cook everything to perfection.
- Ground Beef: Gives the dish its hearty base with a savory richness.
- Black Pepper & Salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors.
- Garlic & Onion: Foundational herbs that bring aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Optional, but add just the right amount of heat if you love a kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a tangy robust flavor that binds everything together.
- Tomato Paste: Thick and rich, it deepens the pasta sauce, giving it that satisfying, hearty feel.
- Parsley: Gives a fresh, clean lift, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, topping the dish with cheesy delight.
Variations
There’s no need to feel locked into one recipe version. The Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to personalize based on dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef with crumbled tofu or your favorite meat substitute for a veggie-friendly version.
- Sneaky Veggies: Add in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Variant: Turn up the heat by doubling the crushed red chili flakes or adding a splash of hot sauce.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin your culinary journey by cooking the ziti pasta to al dente. This will give you just the right amount of bite, ensuring it holds up well when combined with the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water—it’s the secret to a silky sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Using a large skillet, heat up some extra-virgin olive oil over high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step not only browns the meat but starts to develop the base flavors of the dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Bring the heat down to medium and introduce black pepper, garlic, onions, and if you like a bit of heat, crushed red chili flakes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, along with a half cup of your reserved pasta water, to create a tantalizingly thick sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
It’s time for the magic! Toss in your cooked ziti along with a cup of mozzarella. Let them get acquainted over gentle heat. Once everything’s combined, add the remaining cheese on top and garnish with parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta one minute less than package directions when planning to cook further in the skillet; it prevents overcooking.
- Simmer Tactics: Allow the sauce to simmer longer for a deeper, more pronounced flavor infusion into the beef.
- Cheese Layering: For a golden top, uncover during the last few minutes and let the cheese broil lightly.
- Ingredient Freshness: Use freshly chopped parsley to lift the cheese and beef flavors, adding a vibrant freshness.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more chopped parsley on top for that fresh, bright pop of color. If you’re inclined, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add an extra zing to each serving.
Side Dishes
Pair the cheesy delight with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. A toasted garlic bread on the side would add a satisfying crunch and another dimension to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve the skillet right on a wooden board, garnished lavishly with herbs. Or, dish it into individual ramekins and broil to achieve a luxurious, melty top, providing a gourmet touch to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3–4 days, making them a great candidate for meal prepping your lunches.
Freezing
For freezer-friendly storage, let the skillet cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When frozen, reheating is a breeze, and your future self will thank you!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, a microwave works in a pinch; just be sure to cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti holds up beautifully, penne or rigatoni would also work well by capturing sauce in their grooves, adding texture and flavor to each bite.
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Is there a cheese substitute for mozzarella?
Yes, cheddar or a blend of cheeses also melt nicely and can enhance flavor complexity. For a change, consider using smoked gouda or provolone.
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How do I adjust for a spicier taste?
To ramp up the heat, you can add more crushed red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies. A dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering process would amplify the spiciness too.
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What’s the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
Present it in a large, rustic cast-iron skillet for a charming appeal, And offer it with an array of toppings, like extra cheese and herbs, so guests can customize to their liking.
Final Thoughts
Sure to impress with its combination of comforting flavors and ease of preparation, the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a bit of culinary love in every bite. Gather up these simple ingredients and don’t hesitate to give it a try—your family will thank you!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pastas
- 2 cups ziti pasta cooked (see NOTES)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
Proteins & Condiments
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
Cheese & Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- salt to taste
Pantry Staples
- 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta without rinsing.
- Sauté beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 2 minutes until browned. Reduce heat to medium.
- Season & simmer: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in minced garlic, chopped onion, chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved pasta water. Simmer until the meat is tender and flavors meld, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add pasta & cheese: Toss in the cooked pasta along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Finish & serve: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with additional parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Leftover cooked pasta can be used; if not, cook the pasta fresh as instructed in the notes.
- The optional red chili flakes add a bit of spice, but you can omit for milder flavor.
- For extra richness, mix in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
