Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner? Our Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is just what you need. This one-pan meal combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a cozy family meal!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Liquids and Seasoning:
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination will create a flavorful base for the pasta.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy, creating a deliciously cheesy sauce.
Top and Serve:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Serving Tips:
Hot and Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet. Serve it directly from the pan for a cozy, family-style meal.
Garnishes: Enhance the flavor and presentation with fresh garnishes. Chopped parsley or a sprinkle of additional cheese can add a nice touch.
Accompaniments: Pair the skillet meal with a side salad or some garlic bread for a well-rounded dinner. A crisp green salad or a warm slice of bread complements the richness of the dish.
Portion Control: Use a serving spoon or ladle to portion out the meal, ensuring everyone gets a fair share of pasta and cheesy goodness.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator. Heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave; just cover the dish and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook, as this can make the pasta and meat dry out. Adding a splash of beef broth or a little water can help maintain moisture.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of pasta shapes for this dish, such as penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Choose a pasta shape that you prefer or have on hand. Just ensure the cooking time is appropriate for the type of pasta you select.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead of time. Cook the dish as instructed, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time if needed and ensure that the meat is fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some extra heat to your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its rich, cheesy sauce and satisfying pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of a one-pan meal with the comforting flavors that everyone loves!
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Cover and let sit until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
