When you’re in need of a comforting and delicious dinner that’s ready in no time, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the perfect choice. Combining tender ziti pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, offering all the flavors of a classic baked pasta dish without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked ziti pasta (refer to notes for details)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 of minced parsley, with extra for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with pepper and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chili flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the beef and onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful pasta skillet as a satisfying meal on its own, or pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread.
Notes:
- For an extra cheesy experience, you can add more mozzarella or a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more red chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese is truly irresistible. With minimal ingredients and just one pan, it’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it up and watch it disappear—it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A Quick and Satisfying One-Pan Meal
A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuringziti pasta, savory ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for asatisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked ziti pasta refer to notes for details
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 of minced parsley with extra for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with pepper and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chili flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the beef and onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful pasta skillet as a satisfying meal on its own, or pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread.
- Notes:
- For an extra cheesy experience, you can add more mozzarella or a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more red chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.