If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, quick-to-fix dinner, look no further than the “Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.” It’s a delightful combination of hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and of course, lots of gooey cheese, making it an instant family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Cheesy Delight: With gooey mozzarella, every bite is a cheesy heaven.
- Family Favorite: Filling, savory, and scrumptious—it’s something everyone will love.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry items, ensuring convenience and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this dish is what makes it shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the delectable flavors that this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is known for.
- Ziti Pasta: Provides a robust base—don’t forget to save some pasta water!
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the meat beautifully.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, bringing in-depth flavor and heartiness.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- Tomato Paste: Lends a concentrated tomato flavor that binds all the elements together.
- Shredded Mozzarella: The crowning glory, making the dish irresistibly cheesy.
Variations
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, allowing you to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the ziti pasta to al dente perfection. Remember to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining, as it becomes a surprisingly effective binder for your sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil and brown the ground beef. This is where the magic starts. Add garlic, onions, and spices to build layers of flavor. The Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste bring in a deep, savory base that works in harmony with the beef.
Step 3: Combine and Cheese it Up!
Introduce the pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved water and a portion of mozzarella. This step is all about melding flavors together. Top everything with more cheese, and let it melt under a cover for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Pasta Perfection: Cooking pasta just shy of al dente ensures it doesn’t become overcooked in the skillet.
- Flavor Building: Use fresh garlic and parsley for a vibrant taste that stands out.
- Cheese Melting: Cover the skillet to melt the cheese faster and create a steamy, gooey texture.
- Heat Control: Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of chili flakes you use.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Simplicity goes a long way! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make fantastic companions, adding a lightness alongside the hearty flavors of the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet creation in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic presentation that keeps the dish warm and your diners excited.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will easily last for up to three days and taste even better as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
To freeze, place portions of the pasta in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to consume within three months for best quality and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat this dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to avoid drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it until hot, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
-
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can swap mozzarella with a mild cheddar or a mixture of provolone and parmesan for a sharper flavor experience.
-
Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?
Certainly! Ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute and absorbs flavors beautifully from the other ingredients.
-
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, consider replacing ground beef with crumbled tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a rich, umami flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is calling your name. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful meal that is sure to earn its place in your weekly rotation. Give it a try—it might just become your new personal favorite!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy ground beef pasta skillet is a quick and hearty meal combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melty mozzarella cheese, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying your craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
2 cups ziti pasta cooked seenotes
Main Proteins and Seasonings
1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp pepper
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
1 onion chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
Sauces and Oils
1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs tomato paste
salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
- Season and simmer: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add garlic, chopped onions, red chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water or plain water. Stir well and simmer until the meat is tender and flavors meld, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cheese: Toss in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix to combine. Top with the remaining cheese, cover with a lid, and let melt for about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- If using leftover pasta, reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Feel free to add extras like mushrooms or bell peppers for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
