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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.1 from 30 reviews

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining al dente ziti pasta, savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and a rich, gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty skillet dinner brings together bold flavors with minimal cleanup in just 25 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 2 cups ziti pasta

Meat & Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • Salt to taste

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than recommended. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta without rinsing to retain some starch for the sauce.
  2. Brown the beef: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 2 minutes until mostly cooked through.
  3. Sauté aromatics and simmer: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then stir in minced garlic, chopped onions, crushed red chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and chopped parsley. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well. Let the mixture simmer until the meat is tender and the flavors meld, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it together with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then top the pasta mixture evenly with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and the dish to heat through for a couple of minutes.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting, cheesy pasta meal.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make it gluten free if desired.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
  • For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta before adding the cheese topping.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the sauce and cheese topping.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/cheesy-ground-beef-pasta-skillet-recipe/