Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy blend of melted cheddar cheese with tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 24 oz tomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and other ingredients so they’re ready to use.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Mix Sauce & Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Cook on low heat for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Use whole grain pasta to increase fiber content and nutritional value.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent drying out.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free variety.
