why make this recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delightful, all-in-one meal that offers the enticing flavors of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and comforting pasta. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish combines protein, carbs, and rich flavors in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can bring happiness to the dinner table without spending hours cooking. Plus, kids and adults alike love cheesy pasta dishes, making it a family favorite.
how to make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked, see NOTES)
- 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, which usually means cooking for a minute less than the recommended time. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta without rinsing it. This step helps the sauce stick better to the pasta.
Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 2 minutes.
Season and Add Veggies: After the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft.
Incorporate the Sauces: Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved pasta water (or plain water if you prefer). Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors to combine and the meat to become tender.
Combine with Pasta and Cheese: After the meat is tender, toss in the cooked ziti pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the mixture, and then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
how to serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it straight from the skillet, making for a fun and casual dinner. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. This dish also works great for meal prep; you can store servings in individual containers for quick lunches. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some extra crushed red chili flakes or Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
how to store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
To store any leftovers, let the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Pack it into a freezer-safe container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Pre-Cook Your Pasta: Ensure that you cook the pasta until just al dente. This way, it won’t overcook when mixed with the beef and sauce.
Customizable Cheese: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese! Cheddar, Italian blend, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors.
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when cooking the onions and garlic.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the red chili flakes. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different taste.
Pasta Types: You don’t have to stick with ziti pasta; penne, rotini, or even shells work well too.
variation
If you want to mix things up, try making a Mexican-style version of this recipe. Swap out the Worcestershire sauce for taco seasoning, add black beans, and use pepper jack cheese. Garnish with diced avocado or sour cream for a tasty twist!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions.Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional ziti. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are already gluten-free!Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute if desired.How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, you can triple the amount of crushed red chili flakes, or even add chopped jalapeños in with the onions.Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember that the pasta might absorb some sauce, so you may want to add a little water when reheating to get the desired consistency.
Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a straightforward process that delivers a hearty, satisfying meal for everyone. With its cheesy goodness and robust flavors, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy it at any time of the year!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful all-in-one meal featuring savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and comforting pasta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef and brown for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, season with salt and pepper, and add garlic, onion, and chili flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix well, then top with remaining mozzarella and cover to melt cheese.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve directly from skillet.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg