Description
Looking for a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s easy to whip up? This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet combines tender ziti, savory ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese into a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick, satisfying, and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Pasta options: Substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand.
- Vegetable add-ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American