Make dinner easy and delicious with this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe. Packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted mozzarella, this one-pan dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Learn how to create a comforting family favorite in under 30 minutes, combining simple ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti according to the package directions until al dente, reducing the cook time by 1 minute. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta without rinsing.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, reduce heat to medium.
- Season and Simmer: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onions, chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the beef is tender.
- Combine and Melt: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir to combine, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.
Leave a Reply