If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and downright delicious weeknight dinner, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings together tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a decadent homemade cheese sauce—all cooked in just one skillet! Perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who craves comfort food, this recipe is a go-to when you need something easy yet incredibly delicious.
With minimal prep, easy-to-find ingredients, and only one pan to clean up, this dish is a game-changer. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Let’s dive into this detailed recipe so you can get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
- 4 cups water (or low-sodium beef broth for added flavor)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for a creamier texture, or substitute with 2% milk)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings (Optional):
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Extra cheese (for an extra cheesy topping)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for added heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Next, add the onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine. Once the beef mixture is seasoned and fragrant, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in the Same Skillet
Without wiping the skillet, pour in the water (or beef broth) and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta to the boiling liquid, ensuring that it’s fully submerged. Stir occasionally, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
As the pasta cooks, some of the water or broth will be absorbed, which will help thicken the dish later on. If you find that the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add an extra 1/2 cup of water as needed. Once the pasta is cooked, drain any excess liquid if necessary.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet
Once the pasta is cooked and the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked ground beef mixture back into the skillet with the pasta. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, and gently stir everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness.
If you prefer an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step is optional but highly recommended for an irresistibly cheesy crust.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven (if broiled) and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Serve this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet hot, and watch as your family or guests dig into this creamy, comforting meal!
Cooking Tips and Tricks:
- Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for more flavor. For a milder taste, use mozzarella, which also adds great meltability.
- Broth for Flavor: Cooking the pasta in beef broth rather than water adds a deeper flavor to the overall dish, making the beef taste even richer.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce for a bit of a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Boost: You can easily add some veggies to this dish. Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or even spinach when combining the beef and pasta for added nutrition and texture.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or bake it in the oven until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 570
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
Flavor Profile:
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet offers an explosion of flavors. The ground beef is rich and savory, seasoned with a mix of garlic, Italian herbs, and smoky paprika. The cheese sauce adds a creamy, velvety texture, bringing comfort with every bite. Together, the pasta soaks up the sauce, making each forkful a delicious combination of meat, cheese, and tender pasta. It’s a meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike, offering that nostalgic comfort food vibe with modern flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
This cheesy pasta skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides for a well-rounded dinner:
- Garlic bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up all that cheesy sauce.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides for this cheesy dish.
Wine and Beverage Pairing:
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef and cheese, complementing the savory flavors.
- Beer: For beer lovers, a pale ale or amber ale works well to cut through the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
- Non-alcoholic: Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon for a light contrast to the heavy dish.
Seasonal Suggestions:
This dish is perfect for any season. It’s a comforting choice for cold fall and winter nights when you crave warmth and heartiness, but it can also be enjoyed during the spring and summer with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables to lighten things up. The versatility of this recipe makes it an all-year-round favorite.
