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

Units Scale

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

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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.