This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delightful and easy one-pot meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender pasta with savory ground beef and gooey cheese. Its quick preparation time ensures that you can whip it up in just 25 minutes, making it an essential recipe for families looking for wholesome meals without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly – With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Versatile Ingredients – You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the protein.
- Hearty and Filling – Packed with protein and carbs, this meal will keep everyone satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet – A spacious skillet allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon – Ideal for breaking up the ground beef while cooking; it won’t scratch your non-stick pans.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked see NOTES)
For the Beef Mixture
- 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)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- salt to taste
For the Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to al dente package directions, reducing the time by one minute.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain pasta without rinsing.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Brown for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Flavorings
- Stir in minced garlic, chopped onions, optional chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and reserved pasta water.
- Simmer until the meat is tender, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
- Toss in cooked pasta along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Top with remaining cheese and cover with a lid.
- Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet! This easy recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple presentation or to elevate your meal, these serving suggestions will delight your family and friends.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds freshness and crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad complements the cheesy pasta beautifully.
Add Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter makes for a perfect side to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, try garlic bread topped with mozzarella cheese, melted to perfection.
Top with Extra Garnishes
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy some heat, adding more chili flakes gives an extra kick.
How to Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
To achieve the best results with your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, follow these tips for a dish that’s sure to impress.
- Use Quality Ground Beef: Selecting lean ground beef ensures less grease and a healthier meal.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente allows it to absorb flavors without becoming mushy when combined with other ingredients.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference for the best flavor profile.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can enhance nutrition and add vibrant colors.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet can round out your meal. Here are some popular options that complement this hearty dish well.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a deliciously rich pairing.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch while being healthy.
- Roasted Asparagus: The slightly charred flavor of roasted asparagus works beautifully alongside the cheesy pasta.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet dinner.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings in natural sweetness and pairs excellently with savory dishes.
- Bruschetta: Toasted baguette topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle creates a lovely appetizer or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, especially with a delicious recipe like Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Here are some common mistakes to watch for to ensure your dish turns out perfect.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta longer than needed can lead to mushy noodles. Always follow the package directions and aim for al dente.
- Not seasoning enough: A lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Be sure to season the ground beef properly with salt and pepper.
- Skipping the reserved pasta water: This water adds starch and helps thicken the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve it before draining!
- Using low-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use affects taste and texture. Opt for good quality mozzarella for the best results.
- Rushing the simmering process: Allowing time for flavors to meld is crucial. Don’t rush; let it simmer for at least 8-10 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet that might help you while cooking!
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While ziti works perfectly, feel free to substitute with penne or rotini based on your preference.
How do I customize my Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy goodness and savory beef make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything except adding cheese ahead of time, then just bake before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and allows for various customization options based on your family’s preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, a one-pot wonder that’s both quick and delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender ziti pasta with savory ground beef and gooey mozzarella cheese, all cooked in just 25 minutes. It’s a family-friendly recipe that guarantees satisfaction for even the pickiest eaters. With minimal cleanup and versatile ingredient options, you can easily customize it to include your favorite vegetables or different proteins. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or at casual gatherings, this cheesy skillet meal is sure to become a household favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red chili flakes, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over high heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in garlic, onion, optional chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Add the cooked ziti and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir well and top with remaining cheese. Cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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