Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES); 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 tsp pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 onion, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish; Salt, to taste; 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Craving a weeknight dinner that’s bold, comforting, and comes together in lightning speed? Allow me to introduce you to the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet — a one-pan wonder that brings big flavors to the table in under 30 minutes. This dish wraps savory ground beef, perfectly tender pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella in a garlicky, tomato-kissed sauce, all finished with a hit of fresh parsley. Every forkful is hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to put smiles around the dinner table. If you need an easy meal that tastes like pure home, this recipe truly delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is refreshingly short, yet every component plays a crucial role in building depth and irresistible texture. Each item works hard to make the skillet sing, so don’t skip — quality goes a long way here!

Ziti Pasta: Sturdy tubes are just right for catching sauce and cheese—penne or rigatoni make great swaps.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the beef and blooming aromatics.
Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for the best balance of juicy flavor; be sure to break it up nicely in the pan.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle background heat to enhance the beefiness.
Garlic: Fresh minced cloves wake up the sauce with aromatic depth.
Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Totally optional, but a little sprinkle brings lovely warmth and zing!
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash infuses the skillet with umami and a hint of tang.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor thickens the sauce and adds savory richness.
Onion: Sweet onion softens out the flavors and delivers a gentle, savory backbone.
Chopped Parsley: Brings fresh, herby brightness both in the sauce and as a garnish.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the other flavors together (taste as you go!).
Shredded Mozzarella: The key to that stretchy, melty, crowd-pleasing cheese pull!

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add your ziti (or favorite short pasta) and cook until just shy of al dente — about one minute less than your package recommends. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the starchy cooking water; it’s perfect for binding the sauce later. Drain but don’t rinse, so the pasta holds onto all that savory flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta cooks, place a large, deep skillet over high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it hits the hot pan. Let it sizzle and brown for about two minutes. Once the pink is nearly gone, season with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to medium for the next flavor-building phase.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re feeling feisty. Give it all a quick toss until fragrant, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Pour in your reserved pasta water (or plain water, in a pinch) and let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens into a beautiful, savory glaze.

Step 4: Combine With Pasta and Cheese

Toss your drained pasta right into the skillet, along with half of the chopped parsley and a big handful of mozzarella. Stir everything together so the cheese begins to melt and the pasta soaks up that flavorful sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and give it a minute or two so the cheese turns irresistibly gooey.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Remove the lid and shower everything with a final flurry of fresh parsley. That’s all there is to it! Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is ready to serve, all bubbling, golden, and gloriously melty.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and lifts the richness of the cheese and beef. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper or a few ribbons of fresh basil really makes each serving sing. Don’t hold back on a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a dash of chili flakes for those who love a spicy finish.

Side Dishes

To round out your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, serve with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed broccoli for a fresh counterpoint. Warm, crusty bread or garlicky Texas toast is perfect for scooping up saucy bites, while a simple bowl of roasted vegetables makes a hearty, colorful addition.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your skillet pasta into little individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party, or serve family-style right from the pan for that authentic, homey vibe. Layer the leftovers in a thermos for a hearty lunch, or pile it atop baked potatoes for a carb-lover’s dream. This dish adapts brilliantly to all sorts of creative feeds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping or easy packed lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a champ! Spoon leftover servings into freezer-safe containers, pressing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep neatly stacked in your freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to keep everything creamy. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until hot and bubbly. If the dish looks dry, toss in a little extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to revive its creamy magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is classic for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, penne, rigatoni, shells, or even rotini work wonderfully. Just choose a short, sturdy shape that’ll soak up the sauce and stand up to hearty bites.

What’s the best ground beef to use?

I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer something leaner, 90/10 works too, but you may want to add a touch more olive oil so the beef doesn’t dry out during cooking.

Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! This skillet tastes fantastic freshly made or gently rewarmed for meal prep. Assemble and finish as directed, then store in the fridge. Cheese may firm up a bit, but a splash of milk and another sprinkle of mozzarella brings it right back to life.

How can I make it spicier?

Turn up the heat by increasing the chili flakes, adding a pinch of cayenne, or stir in diced pickled jalapeños before the final layer of cheese. Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet welcomes bold flavors, so tweak away!

Can I swap the beef for another protein?

Totally! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled Italian sausage swap in well, adapting flavors to your mood or what you have on hand. Just be sure to season well and adjust cooking times if needed.

Final Thoughts

After just one bite of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, I’m willing to bet it’ll find a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. This dish is all about maximum flavor, minimal hassle, and sharing comforting food with people you love. Grab your skillet and give it a try—you might just create tonight’s new family favorite!