Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A Quick and Satisfying One-Pan Meal

Sometimes, you just need a meal that’s quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. That’s where Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet comes in—a one-pan wonder that combines ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese into a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home:

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich and cheesy: Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, melty topping that takes this dish to the next level.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or spice it up with extra chili flakes.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful one-pan meal:

Ingredient	Amount
Ziti pasta (cooked)	2 cups
Extra-virgin olive oil	1 tablespoon
Ground beef	1 pound
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Crushed red chili flakes (optional)	1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Parsley, minced	½ cup (plus extra for garnish)
Salt	To taste
Shredded mozzarella cheese	2 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Ziti: Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and Reserve: Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later if needed.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with black pepper.
3. Brown the Meat: Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Garlic and Onion: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chili flakes (if using).
2. Cook Until Soft: Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

4. Build the Flavor

1. Add Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
2. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked ziti into the skillet with the beef mixture.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

6. Add the Cheesy Goodness

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta and beef mixture.
2. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

7. Finish with Freshness

1. Stir in Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the minced parsley for a pop of freshness.
2. Garnish: Top with additional parsley for color and flavor.

8. Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta hot, straight from the skillet.
2. Optional Sides: Pair it with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

1. Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when tossed with the sauce.
3. Customize the flavors: Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
4. Save pasta water: The starchy water helps achieve a silky sauce consistency.
5. Spice it up: For a kick of heat, increase the chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Protein	~30g
Carbohydrates	~35g
Fat	~20g
Fiber	~3g

FAQ: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work just as well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or sautéed mushrooms.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but for the best texture, freeze the beef and pasta mixture before adding the cheese. Thaw overnight and reheat, then add cheese when serving.

5. What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses are great alternatives to mozzarella.

6. Can I add a sauce?

If you prefer a saucier dish, mix in a can of crushed tomatoes or a jar of marinara sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food. With its gooey cheese, savory beef, and tender pasta, it’s everything you could want in a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is comfort food at its finest—quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. Try it tonight and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite!