Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This family-friendly dinner comes together quickly with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or lazy weekends.
Ingredients List
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add uncooked pasta and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 450
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic toast, steamed veggies, or a simple green salad. Also pairs well with roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach.
Seasonal Relevance
Ideal for fall and winter comfort meals but easy enough for busy nights all year round.
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate quick and satisfying dinner. Made in one pan with simple ingredients, it’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or prepping for the week.
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalA hearty one-pan pasta with ground beef, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Quick, comforting, and ideal for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add uncooked pasta and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbows.
Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Adjust broth as needed to keep pasta saucy while it cooks.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner options.
Q2: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—try bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Q3: Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, let it cool fully before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
