Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a delightful meal that combines the comforting textures of pasta, savory ground beef, and rich cheese. It’s a fantastic one-pan dish that’s not only easy to make but also quick to cook. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish is bound to impress. With minimal cleanup and ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, it’s an excellent option for satisfying everyone at the dinner table.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Making Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you can prepare this tasty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb 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
Directions
Cook the Ziti Pasta: Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. It’s important not to rinse the pasta, as you want it to retain some of its starch.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break the beef into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook the beef for about 2 minutes until it’s browned.
Add Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Then, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and the reserved pasta water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes. This simmering will help meld all the flavors together and create a nice sauce.
Combine with Ziti: Now, it’s time to add the cooked ziti along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked and cheesy, garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal straight from the skillet for an easy and relaxed dining experience!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Serving Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is simple and can be done right out of the pan. You can place the skillet on the table for a communal meal, letting everyone serve themselves. For added flair, consider serving the dish with garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side. This balances out the richness of the cheese and beef. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
If you have leftovers, storing Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the skillet back on the stove and warm over medium heat, adding a little more pasta water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Cook Pasta Perfectly: Always ensure your pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. It will continue cooking when added to the skillet with the beef.
Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, consider using lean ground beef or even turkey. This will reduce the fat content while still providing great flavor.
Refresh Leftovers: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from becoming dry.
Additional Veggies: Feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. They can add color and nutritional value to the dish.
Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider trying these variations:
- Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with salsa and avocado.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a cup of cream cheese or sour cream before adding the pasta for a creamier texture.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the ziti with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ziti is great for holding sauce, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The heat level can vary depending on whether you use crushed red chili flakes. For a milder dish, you can skip the chili flakes or reduce the amount used.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then add the cooked pasta and cheese just before serving. This makes for an easy meal preparation on a busy day.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a delicious vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat.
5. What can I serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet?
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
Creating a delicious dish like Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a meal that everyone will love, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful one-pan dish featuring pasta, savory ground beef, and rich cheese that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb 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 the package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat and brown the ground beef for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium, season the beef, and add garlic, onion, and chili flakes, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked ziti and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, mixing well. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve straight from the skillet.
Notes
For added flavors, consider pairing with garlic bread or a salad. Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, skillet, ground beef, cheesy, one-pan meal