Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and combined with savory onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, then cooked with pasta in beef broth until tender. Topped off with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese, this comforting dish is both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if there’s too much remaining for a less greasy dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked pasta, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese evenly into the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired to add a fresh herbal touch.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta skillet hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions and garlic.
- Use whichever shredded cheese you prefer—cheddar gives a sharper flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, creamier melt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
