The Creamiest Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe Ever Made

Weeknight dinners demand simple, satisfying solutions that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

A creamy cheesy ground beef pasta skillet bursts with comforting ingredients that blend perfectly in one pan.

Busy home cooks adore this quick and delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The rich, melted cheese coats tender pasta and seasoned beef, creating a hearty dish everyone will devour.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of savory meat, soft noodles, and gooey cheese that feels like a warm hug.

Your family will request this recipe again and again, making it a reliable staple for hectic evenings.

Pasta Skillet Packed with Cheesy Ground Beef

• Whip Up a Comfort Meal: This one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making dinner prep a breeze for busy families.
• Customize Your Dinner: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra veggies to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• Create a Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this recipe provides a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Perfect for home cooks wanting a satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes with simple cooking techniques.

All the Ingredients for Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides a rich and hearty base for the skillet meal.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the dish.

• Onions: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and savory flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a non-stick base.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a rich and tangy sauce for the pasta.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick.
• Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate component of the skillet meal.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a creamy and indulgent texture.

Instructions for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop chopped onions and minced garlic into the pan, allowing them to dance and soften until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

Introduce ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich golden brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the mixture.

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Drop pasta directly into the skillet.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let everything simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

Shower shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.

Gently stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luscious, silky sauce that coats every morsel.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Scatter fresh parsley across the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly inviting.

Skillet Cooking Tips for Cheesy Pasta

• Select ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor.
• Add cheese off the heat and stir gently to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Use slightly less liquid than typical pasta recipes to help pasta absorb flavors more effectively without becoming soggy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually.
• Chop parsley just before serving to maintain vibrant color and release maximum fresh aroma for a bright finish.

Creative Beef Pasta Skillet Variations

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add taco seasoning, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

Presenting Ground Beef Pasta Skillet at Table

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty pasta skillet as a complete one-pan meal for a cozy family dinner that everyone will love.
• Flavor Boosters: Top with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions for added texture and zesty taste.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich and cheesy pasta.
• Quick Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in a container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave.

Storing Skillet Pasta for Weeknight Meals

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes. If you want heat, add them; if not, simply omit for a mild dish.

• What cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses will melt beautifully and add rich flavor to the pasta skillet.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the skillet and refrigerate, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, hearty cheesy ground beef pasta skillet brings comfort directly to dinner tables with rich, melted cheese and perfectly seasoned beef. Bold flavors and quick preparation make this skillet a reliable meal you’ll crave on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F), introducing finely diced onions and minced garlic, gently cooking until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking apart the meat and sautéing until completely browned and no pink remains, carefully draining any accumulated grease.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, creating a rich sauce base, then season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
4. Nestle uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is submerged, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
5. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, gently folding until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
6. Remove from heat, allow to rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs amazing flavor.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish for a healthier twist.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild alternatives like paprika for sensitive palates.
• Quickly melt cheese by turning off heat and covering skillet for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, creamy texture without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 522 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg