Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish delivers classic flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta & Grains
- 2 cups short pasta (like penne or rotini)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry & Seasonings
- 24 oz tomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the pasta and shredded cheddar cheese so everything is ready to go.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Mix Sauce & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy, cooking for another 3-4 minutes on low heat.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to adapt the dish for dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds freshness and color.
