The Ultimate Comfort Food

Nothing beats a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that pleases the whole family. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the perfect answer to busy weeknights when you need a savory, satisfying dish in no time. Combining tender ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and melty mozzarella cheese, this one-pot wonder is loaded with flavor and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

If you’re looking for an easy skillet dinner, packed with rich, cheesy goodness, and ready in just 25 minutes, this is the perfect ground beef pasta skillet recipe for you!

📊 Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required – everything cooks in the same skillet.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
Cheesy & Flavorful: Melty mozzarella, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce make for an irresistible combination.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers the next day.

🚀 Ingredients for Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet:

Main Ingredients:

2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see notes below for details)
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, for a spicy kick)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Salt to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta Cooking Notes:

Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package directions suggest for an al dente texture.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water to enhance the sauce’s creaminess.
Drain the pasta but do not rinse – the starch helps the sauce stick better.

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the ziti 1 minute less than al dente (to avoid overcooking later).
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta (don’t rinse).

2️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Add ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce

Stir in garlic, onions, chili flakes (optional), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.
Let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.

4️⃣ Combine Everything

Toss in cooked pasta and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
Stir well so the cheese melts and coats the pasta.

5️⃣ Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, comforting delight!

🍔 Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking it prevents mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust Spice Levels: Skip the red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great add-ins.
Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich texture.
Want a Crispier Top? Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.

📈 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 627 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 548mg
Potassium: 631mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 1281IU
Vitamin C: 15mg
Calcium: 338mg
Iron: 4mg

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?

Yes! While ziti works great, you can also use penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta that holds the sauce well.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to Step 4, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add the final cheese topping.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – A One-Pot Favorite!

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a quick, cheesy, and satisfying dinner? This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just 25 minutes! With savory beef, melty mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give it a try and let me know if it becomes a new go-to meal!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked ziti pasta (reserve ½ cup pasta water)
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb ground beef
½ tsp black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
½ cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
Salt, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook pasta until al dente, 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain (without rinsing) and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

2️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it up (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to medium.

3️⃣ Build the flavor: Season with salt & pepper, then stir in garlic, onions, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the beef is tender.

4️⃣ Make it cheesy: Toss in cooked pasta and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let it melt.

5️⃣ Garnish & serve! Sprinkle with extra parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese in one easy dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that never disappoints.

💡 Try it tonight and let us know how you liked it!

🌟 What’s your favorite way to customize a ground beef pasta skillet? Share your tips in the comments! 🍲

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A One-Pot Family Favorite!