Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it features rich tomato and garlic flavors, finished with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal touch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cooked Pasta
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see notes)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
Sauce and Garnishes
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing to retain some starch for flavor.
- Sauté Beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 2 minutes until browned. Reduce heat to medium.
- Season and Cook: Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and add the minced garlic, chopped onion, chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta water or plain water. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Toss in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine and melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have leftover pasta, cook fresh pasta according to package instructions.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to taste.
- You can add more herbs or vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
