Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan comfort meal the whole family will love. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese come together in a savory tomato sauce—perfect for busy weeknights and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Skillet

1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta

2 cups short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)

For the Cheese Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Brown the Beef – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics – Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce – Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the Pasta – Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Simmer – Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and much of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the Cheese – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbly.
Serve – Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy!

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 2 cups)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg