If you’re craving a comforting meal that brings together tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and gooey melted cheese, then this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. It’s a harmonious dance of flavors and textures, with robust seasonings and a luscious, cheesy finish that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds. Best of all, this recipe is simple and quick, proving that a delicious, hearty dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser with ease and confidence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a sensational dish. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the rich ground beef building a savory foundation, the garlic and onion layering aromatic depth, or the mozzarella cheese adding irresistible creaminess and stretch.
- Cooked ziti pasta (2 cups): Use slightly undercooked pasta to finish cooking in the skillet for perfect texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness while helping brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein star that flavors the entire skillet.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Crushed red chili flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a gentle kick of heat to balance richness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami complexity and a slight tang to the beef.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Sweetness and texture that complement the beef perfectly.
- Chopped parsley (1/2 cup plus extra for garnish): Bright freshness that lightens the dish and adds color.
- Salt (to taste): Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts to velvety, stretchy perfection, making every bite dreamy.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by cooking your ziti pasta according to the package directions, but subtract one minute from the suggested time. This small adjustment helps ensure your pasta will finish cooking in the sauce without turning mushy. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s packed with starch that will help the sauce cling perfectly to every piece of pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering, then add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook it just long enough to start browning, about two minutes. This initial sear locks in flavor and creates those delicious caramelized bits that make this dish feel restaurant-quality.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and season the beef with salt and pepper. Toss in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and if you like a hint of heat, the crushed red chili flakes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste to deepen the profile, then add your chopped parsley along with that reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This slow melding softens the beef and harmonizes the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and mix it well with the savory beef mixture. Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt luxuriously for 2 to 3 minutes. Once bubbly and gooey, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley always brightens up this dish, adding a lovely herbaceous pop. For an extra burst of flavor and texture, try finishing with a dash of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper if you want to amp up the heat.
Side Dishes
Since this skillet is wonderfully filling on its own, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement it perfectly and keep things balanced on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, homey feel that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil briefly for personal cheesy crusts that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as tasty—if not tastier—as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Cover the pan to encourage the cheese to melt again. You can also microwave portions using short bursts of time to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is perfect for soaking up sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni can work wonderfully. Just keep the cooking times in mind and adjust accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red chili flakes are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish. If you enjoy some heat, adding the flakes gives a nice subtle kick that balances the richness.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives will work well in this recipe. They might slightly change the flavor but keep the delicious cheesy goodness intact.
What kind of cheese is best for melting?
Mozzarella is ideal for its gooey melt and stretchiness, but you can mix in mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a more complex flavor if you like.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Skip the mozzarella and try a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before serving can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is proof that you don’t need hours or complicated techniques to create a dish that feels truly special. It’s cozy, comforting, and loaded with flavors that hug you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor every cheesy, savory bite.
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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
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet that combines tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and Worcestershire sauce mixture with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the cooking time to ensure optimal texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta without rinsing, to keep the starches that help thicken the sauce.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When hot, add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it just starts to brown. Then reduce heat to medium.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, crushed red chili flakes if using, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water (or plain water if preferred). Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the beef mixture to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ziti pasta or similar tubular pasta like penne for best results.
- Saving some pasta water helps create a saucier, more cohesive dish by loosening the meat mixture when combined.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red chili flakes.
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking to preserve starches that help thicken the sauce.
- For a different twist, swap mozzarella for cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice.
