Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something truly special about a dish that combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all in one pan. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy households, bringing together simplicity, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup. If you love a hearty meal that comes together quickly, this recipe is a must-try.

This dish is all about comfort and convenience. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a filling and delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The best part? It’s a one-pan recipe, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cheesy, beefy pasta dish, this skillet recipe checks all the boxes.

I first made this recipe on a night when I had very little time and energy to cook. I had ground beef in the fridge, some pasta in the pantry, and a block of cheese just waiting to be used. After a bit of improvising and tweaking, I ended up with a dish that was so satisfying, my family requested it again the next day. Since then, it’s become a go-to meal in our house, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special:

1. It’s Quick and Easy

This recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. You can whip up a delicious, hearty meal even on your busiest days.

2. Uses Simple Ingredients

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, cheese, garlic, onions, and tomato paste. There’s no need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.

3. One-Pan Meal = Fewer Dishes

Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. One-pan meals are a lifesaver for anyone who dislikes washing dishes.

4. Perfect for the Whole Family

Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, savory dish. It’s packed with flavor but not overly spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser.

5. Super Customizable

Want to add vegetables? Go for it. Prefer a spicier version? Add some chili flakes. Need a gluten-free option? Swap in gluten-free pasta. This dish can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.

6. Great for Meal Prep

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Health Benefits of This Dish

While this is a comfort food recipe, it still offers several nutritional benefits when prepared thoughtfully.

1. High in Protein

Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which helps with muscle growth and keeps you full for longer. If you want an even leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.

2. Provides Essential Nutrients

Beef contains important vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support overall health and energy levels.

3. Balanced Meal with the Right Carbs and Fats

Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are essential for energy, while cheese adds healthy fats that contribute to satiety and flavor.

4. Easy to Make Healthier

If you want to boost the nutritional value, you can easily modify this recipe. Consider using whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vitamins.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

• Serves 4 to 6 people

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 627 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 548mg
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients List

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups ziti or penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ 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
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (for extra creaminess)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta one minute less than the package instructions suggest (since it will continue cooking in the skillet).
• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
• Cook for about 2 minutes, just until it starts to brown.

Seasonings and Vegetables

• Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in salt, black pepper, garlic, onions, and chili flakes.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.

Worcestershire Sauce and Tomato Paste

• Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, ensuring the beef mixture is well coated.
• Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste slightly caramelize for a deeper flavor.

Pasta and Cheese

• Pour in the reserved pasta water, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
• Mix everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
• Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until melted.

Finish with More Cheese

• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

How to Serve

This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• With Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of roasted or steamed broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Pairing Suggestions

Best Beverages

• Iced Tea or Lemonade: The acidity helps cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing, light drink that complements the dish.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Perfect for a well-rounded meal.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy texture.

How to Make This Dish More Nutritious

If you want to enjoy this dish while keeping it a little healthier, there are several simple swaps and additions you can make. First, using whole wheat or chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta increases fiber and protein content. You can also add extra vegetables, like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to boost the dish’s vitamin content without overpowering the flavors. Swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken lowers the fat content while still providing plenty of protein. Lastly, using part-skim mozzarella or reducing the amount of cheese slightly can help cut down on saturated fat without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make This Recipe in the Instant Pot

If you love using your Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe for pressure cooking. Start by using the sauté function to brown the ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasonings. Then, add the pasta, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Stir in the cheese while the pasta is still hot, allowing it to melt into the dish. This method cuts down on cooking time even more while keeping everything in one pot.

Best Cheeses to Use for the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Mozzarella is a classic choice for this dish because it melts beautifully, but you can experiment with other cheeses for a more complex flavor. Cheddar adds a rich, sharp taste, while Parmesan gives a nutty, salty kick. If you love a gooey, creamy texture, mixing in Gouda or Fontina works wonderfully. For those who enjoy a slight spice, Pepper Jack cheese adds a mild heat that enhances the overall dish. If you want an ultra-creamy result, try adding a small amount of cream cheese or ricotta while mixing everything together.

How to Repurpose Leftovers into a New Dish

If you have leftover cheesy ground beef pasta, you don’t have to eat it the same way twice! One easy option is to turn it into a baked casserole—just transfer it to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy. You can also use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, mixing in some extra vegetables before baking them. Another fun idea is to transform the pasta into a hearty soup by adding beef broth or tomato sauce and letting it simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. If you love wraps, you can even stuff the cheesy pasta mixture into a tortilla, add extra cheese, and pan-fry it for a crispy pasta quesadilla.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti or penne work great in this recipe, you can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Even spaghetti or fettuccine can work in a pinch—just break them into smaller pieces for easier mixing. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can assemble everything and bake it later for a casserole-style meal.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, you can add extra crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or paprika for a deeper, smoky heat.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner version of this dish. Since they are lower in fat than beef, consider adding a little extra olive oil or butter to maintain moisture and flavor.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a slightly different umami flavor. A mix of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar also works well to replicate its depth of taste.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Try adding bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even shredded carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.

How do I keep the cheese from becoming too oily?

Using freshly shredded cheese (rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese) helps prevent an oily texture because pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that affect the melt. Also, using low-moisture mozzarella will give you a smooth and creamy consistency.

Can I freeze this pasta skillet?

Yes! Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a little milk or broth to help restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, beefy, and packed with flavor. Try it today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends or tag me on social media. I’d love to see your delicious creations!

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