Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and sautéed with onions and garlic, then combined with diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Simmered until tender and topped with melted cheese, this dish delivers rich, creamy flavors in under 30 minutes.
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 work best)
- 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 olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for cooking the ground beef.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer to begin cooking the pasta in the flavorful liquid.
- Simmer pasta: Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese, then cover the skillet again and let it sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese melts thoroughly, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness and a colorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta skillet hot and enjoy this comforting classic meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties if needed.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion and garlic sauté step.
- Use low-fat cheese or reduce cheese quantity to lower the fat content.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered in a skillet or microwave.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor but are optional.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
