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

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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