Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

Craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dish but short on time? This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is your answer! It’s a one-pan meal packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Ground beef is browned with aromatics, then tossed with cooked pasta, a simple tomato sauce, and a generous amount of melty cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) jar crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces (half a box) medium pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Guide:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, one minute less than al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
6. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (optional).

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use browned ground beef. Simply cook the ground beef in the skillet without draining the fat before adding the onion and garlic.
• Don’t have crushed tomatoes? You can substitute a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and crush them with your hands before adding them to the skillet.
• Like it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the sauce.
• This recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.