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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato sauce all melded together with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups short pasta (like penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz tomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the pasta and shredded cheddar cheese so everything is ready to go.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Mix Sauce & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook on low heat for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.

Notes

  • Use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni for best results.
  • Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing onions.
  • If you prefer a saucier dish, add a splash of pasta water when combining pasta and sauce.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.