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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

One-pan wonder featuring tender penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese - perfect weeknight comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Cheese & Garnish
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 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.
  3. Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  6. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  7. Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
  9. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  10. Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Cover again and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely.
  12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired before serving hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a handful of cream cheese during final minutes. If pasta seems dry during cooking, add more broth. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days.