This Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet is built for cooks who want bold flavor without a long cleanup. Creamy melted cheese, savory ground beef, and tender pasta come together in one pan, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet practical. It fits busy weeknights, feeds a crowd, and adapts easily to what you already have on hand. From the first bite, the balance of beef, tomato paste, and cheese delivers warmth and satisfaction while keeping the process simple and efficient.
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Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet That Delivers Comfort Fast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, comforting skillet dinner made with ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
1 pound small pasta (such as shells or penne)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 dashes Worcestershire-style sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 to 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese
Fresh basil, chopped
Fresh parsley, minced
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Cook onion with a pinch of salt until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire-style sauce, and black pepper. Cook briefly.
6. Add beef broth and stir to combine.
7. Add pasta and toss gently.
8. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Serve topped with herbs and Parmesan.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat. Reheat gently with extra broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Italian
H2: Why Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Works for Busy Nights
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet flavor balance
The richness of beef pairs with tomato paste and Worcestershire-style sauce to create depth without heaviness. Red pepper flakes add controlled heat, while fresh herbs brighten the finish.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet as a one-pan meal
Everything comes together in a single skillet after the pasta cooks, which reduces cleanup and keeps flavors concentrated. This approach saves time without sacrificing quality.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet family appeal
Mild, cheesy flavors make this dish approachable for all ages. You can easily adjust spice levels to suit different preferences at the table.
H2: Ingredients That Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Exceptional
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet pasta choices
Small shapes like shells or penne trap sauce effectively, ensuring each bite carries cheese and beef. Cooking the pasta just to al dente keeps texture intact.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet protein and aromatics
Lean ground beef provides hearty flavor, while onion and garlic build a savory base. Olive oil helps soften the aromatics without overpowering them.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet cheese selection
Mozzarella or fontina melt smoothly, creating a creamy finish. A final sprinkle of Parmesan adds sharpness and depth right before serving.
H2: How to Cook Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Perfectly
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet prep tips
Prepare all ingredients before heating the skillet. This keeps the cooking flow steady and prevents overcooking.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet cooking flow
Brown the beef thoroughly, then let the tomato paste cook briefly to deepen flavor. Adding broth loosens the sauce so it coats the pasta evenly.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet finishing touches
Stir in cheese off direct heat to avoid separation. Garnish with basil and parsley for a fresh contrast.
H2: Variations Inspired by Cheesy Beef Macaroni Recipe Fans
H3: Cheesy beef macaroni recipe swap ideas
Elbow macaroni works well if you want a classic feel. The sauce adapts easily to different shapes without losing richness.
H3: Ground beef and macaroni recipes easy adjustments
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition. These additions integrate smoothly into the skillet.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet heat and spice control
Increase red pepper flakes for more heat or omit them for a mild version. Smoked paprika can add warmth without spice.
H2: Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet serving ideas
Serve straight from the skillet with a crisp green salad. Garlic bread or a simple vegetable side complements the richness well.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet make-ahead advice
This dish holds well for up to two days when refrigerated in an airtight container. Flavors deepen as it rests.
H3: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet reheating tips
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking.
For more comforting dinner ideas, explore this creamy, hearty option inspired by Italian flavors in Chicken and Gnocchi Florentine or add bold heat with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Garlic Bread for a crowd-pleasing side.
H2: FAQs About Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
H3: Cheesy beef macaroni recipe differences
This version uses tomato paste and broth for a richer base rather than milk alone, creating deeper savory notes.
H3: Ground beef and macaroni recipes easy for beginners
Yes, the steps are straightforward, and timing is forgiving, making it suitable for new cooks.
H3: Cheese substitutions that still melt well
Fontina, provolone, or a mild cheddar blend melt smoothly and maintain a creamy texture.
H2: Conclusion: Why Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Earns a Spot on Your Table
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet brings together convenience, flavor, and comfort in one dependable recipe. It adapts to different tastes, reheats well, and satisfies without complicated steps. When you need a reliable dinner that feels generous and homemade, this skillet delivers every time.
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