Description
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Add Flavor: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover again and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the cheeses if not pre-shredded, and measure out all spices and liquids before you begin. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until no pink remains. Carefully drain the excess grease.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. This step wakes up the spices.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is submerged. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Simmer for 12-15 minutes. Avoid stirring during this time to let the pasta cook evenly. Check at 12 minutes for doneness.
6. Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Evenly sprinkle both cheeses over the entire surface. Cover again for 2-3 minutes to allow residual heat to melt the cheese perfectly.
7. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable boost, serve with steamed broccoli or garlic bread for dipping. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, and leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
This one-pot wonder involves browning beef with onions, adding spices, then simmering pasta directly in a mixture of broth and tomatoes. Finish by melting a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top for an effortless, creamy, and satisfying dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, but choose a similar size and shape with a comparable cook time (like rotini or ziti). Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
What can I substitute for beef broth? Chicken or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes and will not drastically alter the flavor.
How can I make this dish less greasy? Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) and be sure to drain the fat thoroughly after browning.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before adding the cheese.
Why is my pasta still hard? This usually means there wasn’t enough liquid, the heat was too high causing rapid evaporation, or the skillet wasn’t covered tightly. Ensure you use the correct broth amount and maintain a gentle simmer with the lid on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef Fat: Skipping this step will result in a greasy final dish.
- Using Pre-Cooked Pasta: The recipe relies on the pasta cooking in the broth to absorb flavor and thicken the sauce. Adding cooked pasta will make it mushy.
- Stirring Too Often During Simmering: Let the pasta cook undisturbed to ensure even cooking and prevent it from breaking apart.
- Using Coarse, Freshly Shredded Cheese: While delicious, it may not melt as quickly or uniformly as pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents. For best melt, shred your own cheese finely.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight, delivering maximum comfort with minimal cleanup. By combining simple ingredients in one pan, you create a flavorful, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent. Mastering the few key techniques—proper browning, simmering, and melting—ensures perfect results every time. Give this recipe a try for a dependable dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.