Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming, super cheesy, one-pan dinner that turns a few humble pantry staples into pure comfort, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest eater, and every bite is loaded with beefy goodness and bubbling cheese!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet transforms simple pantry staples into a deliciously satisfying meal. Each component has its own important role, from adding savory flavor to bringing gooey, melty magic to every bite.

• Ziti Pasta: Any short-cut pasta works, but ziti gives a great bite and soaks up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Just a touch for browning the beef and adding richness.
• Ground Beef: The heart of this skillet—choose 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle heat and highlights the beef.
• Garlic: Three cloves bring aromatic depth—a little goes a long way!
• Crushed Red Chili Flakes (Optional): For those who love a subtle kick, chili flakes add a gentle heat beneath all the savory flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon amps up the umami and deepens the savory notes.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated flavor bomb gives a tangy, rich backbone to the skillet sauce.
• Onion: Chopped onion goes in with the beef for sweetness and texture.
• Chopped Parsley: Stirred in and sprinkled on top, parsley adds freshness and a pop of vivid color.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
• Shredded Mozzarella: The star of “cheesy”—melted in and on top for ultimate gooey deliciousness.

Variations

The beauty of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is how easy it is to customize to your own taste, dietary needs, or whatever you happen to have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter but still hearty skillet.
• Spicy Lovers: Add more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño if you want serious heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheese Mix-Up: Try adding a handful of sharp cheddar or pepper jack along with the mozzarella for bolder flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta and check other ingredient labels to suit your needs.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta one minute less than the package directs for al dente. Don’t skip this step—the pasta will finish cooking in the skillet and soak up more flavor. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is key for a silky sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until beautifully browned—about 2 minutes. Browning at a higher heat locks in flavor and leaves those irresistible crispy bits!

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium, then add salt, black pepper, minced garlic, diced onion, and chili flakes if using. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer together for about 8–10 minutes, until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich and fragrant—the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Toss, Cheese, and Melt

Stir the drained pasta right into the skillet along with half the mozzarella. Toss everything together so the cheese gets gooey and coats every bite. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, pop a lid on your skillet, and let the cheese melt into a bubbling, golden blanket of deliciousness. Top with extra parsley for color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A generous sprinkling of fresh parsley wakes up the cheesy, savory flavors and adds gorgeous flecks of green. For an extra treat, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little pizzazz. Serve right from the skillet for full cozy effect!

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans add freshness—and color—to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve the skillet family-style right on the table for a fun, shareable vibe. Or, scoop generous servings into wide bowls with a swirl of extra cheese and a tuft of parsley for a restaurant-inspired touch. For parties, portion into ramekins and broil briefly for bubbly, golden tops everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

This skillet is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers. Lay plastic wrap directly on the surface to help prevent freezer burn, then seal and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between so the cheese gets melty but not rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner with big flavor and even bigger comfort, give this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet a whirl. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, and I guarantee you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy every gooey, savory bite!

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