If you’re looking for a cozy dish with a touch of elegance that’ll bring both comfort and smiles to the dinner table, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of around 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleaning, more enjoying—everything cooks harmoniously in one skillet.
- Rich and Cheesy: Bathing in melted mozzarella, the cheesy layers will delight everyone’s palate.
- Customizable: You can tweak and tune the spices to match your family’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s mouth-watering flavors and textures. From the hearty beef to the melting cheese, every component has a purpose.
- Ziti Pasta: Its tubular shape lovingly holds the sauce and cheese.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness to the skillet.
- Ground Beef: The chief ingredient that makes this dish hearty and filling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic lends aroma and depth to the flavor profile.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Optional, but perfect for a bit of a kick!
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides an umami punch with savory freshness.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a robust, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Shredded Mozzarella: The star of the show, creating that luscious cheesy layer.
Variations
Feel free to adapt this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet to suit your family’s preferences or pantry offerings. Here are some delightful variations you can try!
- Spicy Delight: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap out the beef for mushrooms or lentils.
- Diverse Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar or gouda for alternate cheese profiles.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions for al dente goodness, reducing the cooking time by one minute. Remember to reserve half a cup of that magic pasta water before draining—it’s like liquid gold for your sauce!
Step 2: Sizzle and Simmer
In a big, beautiful skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef in a splash of olive oil until it’s just about done. Turn the heat to medium and shower in salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir in onions, chili flakes, Worcestershire, tomato paste, parsley, and the reserved pasta water, then let it all mingle and tame into tenderness for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cheese it Up!
Introducing the cooked ziti back into the skillet symphony, toss until the pasta nests comfortably in the sauce. Add a generous handful of mozzarella, stir, and then sprinkle the rest on top, letting it melt dreamily under the steam of a covered lid. Crown with fresh parsley for good measure!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to add a bit of starchy pasta water; it thickens sauces beautifully.
- Layering Cheese: For extra gooeyness, layer cheese above and inside the pasta.
- Herb Enhancement: Finishing with fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add a pop of flavor.
- Beef Browning: Ensure the beef is browned well for deeper, richer flavors.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil atop this dish can add a burst of color and freshness, complementing the hearty flavors underneath. Grated parmesan also adds a sophisticated savory touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this comforting pasta skillet with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in shallow bowls for an inviting presentation, or bring the entire skillet to the table for a family-style feast that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or even bowties work well. Just ensure they’re cooked to al dente as the recipe suggests.
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Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms, and proceed as instructed.
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What cheeses work aside from mozzarella?
Cheddar and provolone offer a delightful change-up in flavor and texture; trying a mixture can be delicious, too.
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Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a splendid Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet dinner? It promises a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s as heartwarming as a hearty laugh around the family dinner table. Enjoy cooking and savor the flavors!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, savory tomato, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it offers a balance of comfort and bold flavors with options to customize spice levels and garnishes.
Ingredients
Cooked Pasta
- 2 cups ziti pasta cooked see NOTES
For the Beef & Sauce
- 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes optional
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 1 onion chopped
- salt to taste
Herbs & Cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the cooking time to keep it firm. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing to keep the starch for better sauce adherence.
- Prepare Ground Beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add Seasonings & Flavor: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, crushed red chili flakes if using, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta water or plain water. Let simmer until the meat is tender and flavors meld, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss to combine, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve hot. Add more cheese or seasoning as desired.
Notes
- I used leftover pasta. If you don’t have any, you can cook fresh pasta according to the directions in the ingredients section.
- Feel free to customize the spice level with more or less red chili flakes.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
