Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is your answer. The combination of juicy ground beef, flavorful garlic, and the richness of mozzarella cheese creates a dish that’s both filling and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort, making it a go-to option for busy nights.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)
  • 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with pepper and salt to taste.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red chili flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the beef mixture.
  6. Stir in the chopped parsley, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with extra parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meatless version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring more heat to the dish.
  • Different Pasta: Feel free to swap ziti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
  • Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is the star, adding a bit of Parmesan or cheddar can elevate the flavor even further.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta skillet over low heat on the stovetop. You can add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the pasta. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It will give the dish a leaner profile, though it might be slightly less rich.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and bake or heat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

Besides mozzarella, you can use cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions to boost the nutritional value and flavor.

5. What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap out ziti for penne, fusilli, or any other pasta you have on hand.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

The crushed red chili flakes are optional and add a mild heat. If you prefer a non-spicy version, you can leave them out.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?

While tomato paste gives a rich flavor, you can use a bit of jarred tomato sauce in a pinch. Just reduce the amount of liquid you add to avoid the dish becoming too saucy.

10. How can I make this dish creamier?

For a creamy version, add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese to the skillet just before adding the mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the perfect go-to meal when you want something that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. With its delicious blend of seasoned beef, garlic, tomato paste, and melted mozzarella, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with minimal prep and cook time, it’s an easy dinner that you can whip up any night of the week.

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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting, hearty meal featuring ground beef, garlic, tomato paste, and melted mozzarella cheese, served with tender ziti pasta. A quick, satisfying dish for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)

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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with pepper and salt to taste.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red chili flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the beef mixture.
  6. Stir in the chopped parsley, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with extra parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the pasta skillet over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Feel free to swap ziti with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini.

For a creamier texture, add heavy cream or cream cheese before melting the mozzarella.

Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms and lentils.

  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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