Brown Sugar and Coconut Body Scrub Exfoliates 
Get The Product!Cooking is an art, and when it comes to crafting a Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, you’re not just making dinner—you’re creating a masterpiece of flavor and comfort. Picture this: a bubbling pot filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese melting into a symphony of deliciousness. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug, promising an evening of culinary joy that is simply irresistible.
Now imagine the delight on your family’s faces as they gather around the table, forks poised in anticipation. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy family dinners where laughter fills the air and everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend feast, this cheesy delight guarantees smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its rich flavor profile satisfies even the pickiest eaters
- The colorful blend of ingredients creates a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for leftovers or meal prep throughout the week
Sharing this dish always brings back memories of my son’s face when he first tasted it—pure bliss! He declared it the “best pasta ever,” and I might just agree.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease while still ensuring juicy flavor throughout the dish.
-
Pasta: Any short pasta works great here; I prefer penne for its perfect sauce-holding abilities.
-
Onion: Sweet onions add a gentle sweetness; sauté them until translucent for maximum flavor.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring depth; chop them finely to release their aromatic oils.
-
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives richness; feel free to mix in other cheeses for extra creaminess.
-
Tomato Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or make your own for added freshness.
-
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the flavor profile; adjust according to your taste preference.
-
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its fruity notes enhance the overall taste.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that help balance flavors; season generously but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent—about 3 minutes will do!
Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add in your ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in your chosen tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so those flavors can mingle beautifully.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil water in another pot. Once boiling, add in your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve some pasta water for later if needed.
Meld It Together!: Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet with your meat sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta lovingly with that delicious sauce. If it looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add Cheese and Serve!: Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of your skillet dish. Cover for 2-3 minutes until melted into gooey goodness. Serve hot while dreaming about seconds!
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is not just any dinner; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Your family will be asking for it repeatedly (and you may just find yourself craving it too). Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is your one-pan wonder, saving you time and minimizing cleanup
- The glorious aroma of melting cheese and simmering beef will make your kitchen the place to be
- Plus, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then add garlic and onion for flavor. Next, mix in pasta and broth, letting everything simmer until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. Toss in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color, making it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked pasta, ensure it’s al dente before mixing with other ingredients
- Add salt to boiling water; it enhances flavor without making it too salty
- Don’t forget to let it rest after cooking; this helps flavors develop even more!
I remember making this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet for a last-minute dinner party; my guests were raving about it! It turned into our go-to recipe, proving that simplicity can indeed impress.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Use short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne for best results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting, one-pan meal that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef and melted cheese, creating a delightful dish that the whole family will love. Quick to prepare, this recipe offers a rich flavor profile and is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Gather your loved ones around the table for a satisfying dinner that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Increase heat slightly, add ground beef, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking apart with a spatula.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil water in another pot. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain (reserve some pasta water).
- Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the skillet, stirring gently to coat evenly. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, cover for 2-3 minutes until melted. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
