When you're craving a comforting, satisfying meal that's easy to make and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe is exactly what you need. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese in one pan. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Keep reading to discover all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and essential tips for creating this comforting dish at home.
What is Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines cooked pasta with seasoned ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses, seasonings, and add-ins. It’s a great solution when you need a quick and hearty meal that doesn’t require multiple pots and pans. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just preparing a simple dinner for two, this dish checks all the boxes: cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
To get started, gather all your ingredients for this cheesy delight. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 8 ounces of pasta – Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work well for this recipe.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that extra punch of flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes – Drained, to provide moisture and a slightly tangy note.
- 1 cup beef broth – Enhances the flavor and keeps everything moist.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Provides the melty, gooey texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds creaminess and enhances the cheesiness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a subtle kick and warmth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives – For a touch of color and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is its adaptability. Don’t have all the ingredients? Here are some possible substitutions and variations:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out ground beef for a leaner option if you're looking to reduce fat content.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative.
- Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar and mozzarella, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for added heat.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or try gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to make the dish even richer.
These substitutions make it easy to tailor this recipe to your personal preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s break down the steps to create this cheesy, beefy masterpiece.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large, deep skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes (drained) and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate the beef broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Mix in the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. You can add more cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
- Simmer and thicken: Let the skillet simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is ready to serve!
How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize the cooking process for this dish:
- Boil the pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente and set it aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Get the aromatics going for flavor.
- Brown the ground beef: Ensure it’s well-cooked and flavorful.
- Season and simmer: Add spices and tomatoes to bring everything together.
- Incorporate pasta and cheese: Combine and melt for the ultimate cheesy delight.
- Simmer to finish: Let everything thicken and meld.
This step-by-step guide ensures you’ll have a delicious, cheesy skillet meal every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few pitfalls to avoid to ensure the best results:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure your pasta is cooked to al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when added to the skillet.
- Not draining the ground beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat after browning the beef, the dish can become too greasy.
- Skipping the cheese layering: Adding cheese in layers ensures that it melts evenly throughout the dish.
- Using too much liquid: Be cautious with the amount of broth and tomatoes you add. Too much can make the dish soupy, and too little can make it dry.
- Not tasting as you go: Season to taste throughout the cooking process to make sure the flavors are balanced.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving this skillet dish is as easy as it gets, but a little extra effort can elevate your presentation:
- Serve in the skillet: For a rustic, homey touch, serve the dish directly from the skillet. It keeps the food warm and creates a casual, communal dining experience.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color against the cheesy, golden surface.
- Serve with sides: Pair this dish with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the pasta and beef.
- Add a crunchy element: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to mop up any extra cheesy goodness.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Make your skillet meal visually appealing with these easy presentation ideas:
- Cheese pulls: When serving, highlight the gooey cheese by pulling the serving spoon high to show off the melted cheese strands.
- Layer of melted cheese: Before serving, broil the skillet for a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden-brown cheese crust on top.
- Individual servings: For a more formal presentation, serve the pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins or small skillets with a cheese crust broiled on top.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe Tips
- Use fresh cheese: Grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese makes a big difference in texture and meltability.
- Try different pastas: While elbow macaroni and rotini are great options, any small pasta shape will work. Experiment with different shapes like shells or farfalle.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach or frozen peas toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Double the recipe: This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of extra cheese on top if desired.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Small, sturdy pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work best because they hold the sauce well without getting mushy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner, combining rich, savory flavors with gooey cheese and hearty pasta. It's easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you're cooking for a family or meal-prepping for yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal that everyone will love!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is a quick, one-pan meal packed with tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is rich, comforting, and requires minimal effort. Keywords: Cheesy ground beef pasta, one-pan meal, quick dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (penne or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked (about 12-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with any cheese of your choice.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
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