When you think of comfort food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s a steaming Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet that practically hugs you with every bite. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as you sauté ground beef, garlic, and onions, all while cheesy goodness bubbles away in a pot. It’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day or the perfect remedy for a long week.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of pasta works best for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes?
- Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes ahead of time?
- Is it possible to freeze leftovers from Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful recipe holds a special place in my heart and kitchen. I first made it during a particularly chaotic week filled with work deadlines and family activities. My kids came home from school hungry, and I needed something quick yet satisfying. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like Christmas trees! Now, this dish is synonymous with family movie nights and lazy Sundays, a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is simple to whip up and perfect for any night of the week
- The blend of flavors creates an irresistible cheesy delight that everyone will adore
- Plus, it’s visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, making it perfect for impressing guests
- This dish is also incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it based on what you have in your pantry
There’s nothing like hearing my children ask for seconds after they’ve devoured their plates of this scrumptious meal.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without excess grease for a healthier option.
- Pasta: I prefer using penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar; it adds a rich flavor that makes everything better.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; choose firm ones for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are crucial, nothing beats that aromatic punch in this dish!
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide moisture and tanginess; go for fire-roasted if you like extra flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the overall taste; don’t skip this step!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while cooking.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness when sautéing your vegetables.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned thoroughly, around 5-7 minutes, ensuring all sides are nicely caramelized for maximum flavor.
Add Pasta and Liquid Ingredients: Stir in your chosen pasta along with diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat, letting it simmer until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Melt in the Cheese: Once pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until melted into creamy perfection, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Season to Taste: Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning at this stage! Taste test and adjust seasoning as necessary for your preferred flavor profile.
Serve It Up!: Serve immediately while still hot! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired (and if you’re feeling fancy). Enjoy every gooey bite!
With these simple instructions, you’ll create a Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet that not only fills bellies but warms hearts too!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- This one-pot wonder combines delicious flavors and makes cleanup a breeze
- The gooey cheese and hearty beef create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then add onions and garlic for flavor before mixing in the pasta and sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always season your pasta water generously with salt to enhance flavor
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente since it will cook further in the skillet
- Don’t skip simmering; this melds flavors beautifully while ensuring a creamy consistency
Cooking this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where cheesy goodness filled our bellies and laughter echoed around the table.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes?
delicious cheeseburger pasta salad. zesty dill pickle pasta salad tasty street corn pasta salad cowboy caviar pasta salad.
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work wonderfully, holding on to all that cheesy sauce.
Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Baked Pesto Spinach Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Absolutely! Prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers from Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipes?
Yes! Just store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months for quick meals later.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. This one-pot meal combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese for a dish that warms both body and soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first serving!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in penne pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender (10-12 minutes).
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until melted (2-3 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately while hot; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg