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
Units
Scale
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
