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
Units
Scale
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