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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Pasta (One Pot)

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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta with ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (cavatappi or elbow macaroni recommended)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low-moisture)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (about 5 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the sauce: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Add beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the pasta: Stir in dry pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway. Pasta should be tender and most liquid absorbed.
  5. Add the cheese: Remove lid. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey. Optionally, broil for 1 minute for a golden top.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat. Let sit uncovered for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t rinse the pasta; the starch helps thicken the sauce. Check liquid level during cooking; add broth if too thick. Use a timer to avoid overcooking. Grate your own cheese for better melting. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, ground beef skillet, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, 30 minute meal

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-pasta-one-pot/