The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder
When life gets busy and you need a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dirty dishes, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is your answer. This incredible one-pan wonder combines tender penne pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a blanket of melted cheese that will have your family asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first helping.
There’s something magical about skillet dinners that brings families together around the table. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but in how it transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory ground beef, al dente pasta, and gooey melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
This recipe has become a staple in countless homes because it solves the eternal question: “What’s for dinner tonight?” Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers after practice, hosting a casual dinner party, or simply craving comfort food on a chilly evening, this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet delivers every single time.
The versatility of this dish is truly remarkable. You can customize it with your family’s favorite vegetables, experiment with different cheese combinations, or adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences. The base recipe serves as a fantastic foundation that welcomes creativity and personal touches, making it uniquely yours each time you prepare it.
What sets this skillet apart from other pasta dishes is the cooking method. By preparing everything in one pan, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating depth and richness that you simply can’t achieve when cooking components separately. The pasta absorbs the savory beef juices and aromatic seasonings, while the cheese melts into every crevice, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced.
From a nutritional standpoint, this meal provides a excellent balance of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. The ground beef supplies high-quality protein and iron, while the pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates. The cheese contributes calcium and additional protein, making this a well-rounded meal that fuels active families throughout their busy days.
The preparation process is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced home chefs. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and most can be kept on hand for those last-minute dinner decisions. This reliability factor has made it a go-to recipe for meal planning and emergency dinner situations alike.
Storage and reheating are simple with this recipe, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together, making day-two portions even more delicious than the original serving. This characteristic makes it perfect for busy families who appreciate meals that provide multiple servings.
The visual appeal of this dish cannot be overlooked. The golden, bubbly cheese top creates an irresistible presentation that photographs beautifully and looks impressive enough for company, yet remains approachable enough for everyday family dinners. The contrast of colors from the beef, pasta, and melted cheese creates a feast for the eyes before the first bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover again and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired before serving hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in monitoring the liquid levels during cooking. If the pasta seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more broth or milk. Conversely, if there’s too much liquid remaining when the pasta is tender, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Cheese selection makes a significant difference in the final result. While mozzarella provides that coveted stretchy, gooey texture, combining it with Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. For an extra indulgent version, try adding a handful of cream cheese during the final minutes of cooking for ultra-creamy results.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover cheesy ground beef pasta skillet keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
This recipe also freezes beautifully for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, adding extra liquid as needed to restore the proper consistency.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover again and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired before serving hot.
