Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting, one-pan dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a gooey, cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Packed with rich flavors and gooey melted cheese.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (lean or extra lean)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Beef broth
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick of heat.
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat as an alternative to beef.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
Yes, but reduce the beef broth by half and stir in the pre-cooked pasta in step 4. Heat until warmed through before adding cheese.
2. Can I substitute the beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth works as a substitute, or use water with a bouillon cube.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini work well as they cook evenly and hold the sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the skillet up to the cheese step, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. Add fresh cheese for a gooey topping.
5. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely for a non-creamy version.
8. What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme complement the flavors beautifully.
9. Can I add more sauce?
If you prefer a saucier dish, add extra diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adjust the seasonings accordingly.
10. What’s the best way to achieve a crispy cheese topping?
Place the skillet under a broiler for 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese for a golden, bubbly top.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and satisfying dish that combines bold flavors, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese in one convenient pan. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is easy to customize and sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights! Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese come together in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce for a family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) rigatoni or any short pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. If using, stir in the heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
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