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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is pure comfort food that comes together in just one skillet. It hits all the right notes with savory beef, tender pasta, and gooey mozzarella. If you are after an easy family dinner that feels like a treat but will not leave you with a pile of dishes, this is your answer.
I first tried this recipe on a hectic back-to-school night when everyone seemed to have different schedules. Dinner was still a hit, and now it is one of those reliable dishes I make when I want everyone happy at the table.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: two cups cooked Pick pasta with ridges or tubes so the sauce clings and absorbs into every bite
- Extra-virgin olive oil: for deepening meat flavor Choose a fresh bottle for best taste
- Ground beef: about one pound Brings heartiness and body to the dish I reach for 80 20 so it stays juicy but not greasy
- Onion: chopped Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic lift Pick a firm onion with shiny skin and no soft spots
- Pepper: half a teaspoon Gives essential warmth and slight heat Use freshly ground for best results
- Garlic: three cloves minced Boosts flavor with a classic punch Like to mince it fresh instead of using jarred
- Crushed red chili flakes: optional For subtle heat Not necessary but great when you like a kick
- Worcestershire sauce: one tablespoon Gives a deep savory punch A good brand makes a huge difference
- Tomato paste: two tablespoons Adds rich concentrated flavor Look for thick tomato paste with no added sugar
- Chopped parsley: half a cup plus more for garnish For freshness and color Use flat-leaf if you can find it
- Salt: to taste Balances the dish and sharpens all flavors
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: two cups Melts to creamy perfection Buy whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for best melting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your ziti pasta Cook just shy of al dente stirring occasionally so the noodles do not stick Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta Set the pasta aside without rinsing
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat your largest skillet over high and pour in the olive oil Add ground beef Pinch it apart with a wooden spoon and let it cook without stirring for about two minutes Stir and continue to brown until no pink remains and some crispy edges develop
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Lower the heat to medium Now stir in your onions garlic and chili flakes if using Cook gently until the onions are translucent and the garlic smells fragrant about three minutes Add in tomato paste Worcestershire sauce chopped parsley salt pepper and the reserved pasta water Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and let everything simmer until the meat mixture thickens and the flavors meld about 8 to 10 minutes
- Combine Pasta and Cheese:
- Add cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the beef mixture Toss to coat every noodle in the saucy base Sprinkle in one cup of shredded mozzarella and fold it in until strings start to form
- Finish and Serve:
- Scatter the rest of the mozzarella over the top Cover with a lid and let the cheese get bubbly and fully melted for about two minutes Top with more parsley right before serving for a bright finish
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My favorite part of this recipe is the meltiness of real mozzarella greeting you with every spoonful It reminds me of holiday gatherings where everyone tried to sneak the cheesiest bit from the pan Nothing brings a table together faster than gooey cheese stretching across the meal
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days The flavor deepens overnight Add a splash of water and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to bring back its creamy texture
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat if that is your style Short cut pastas like penne or rigatoni work in place of ziti If mozzarella is not on hand use Monterey Jack or provolone for a slightly different melt and taste
Serving Suggestions
Pair this skillet pasta with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli for balance Garlic bread on the side turns it into a feast For extra comfort sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over each serving just before eating
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Cultural Context
Skillet pasta meals like this are classic American weeknight fare a riff on Italian American baked ziti but even speedier Inspired by home kitchens everywhere that needed something hearty on the table fast this variation ditches the oven for stovetop convenience
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this skillet dish?
Ziti holds its shape well and soaks up the sauce, but penne or rigatoni can also be used successfully.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely—ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based crumble will work, though flavor and texture may vary.
- → Why add reserved pasta water?
The starchy water helps create a silky sauce, binding the beef, pasta, and cheese together seamlessly.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of chili flakes for extra heat, or add a pinch of cayenne when browning the beef.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to preserve the creamy texture.