Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
200 grams ziti pasta, cooked al dente (see notes)
02 -
15 millilitres extra-virgin olive oil
03 -
450 grams ground beef
04 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
→ Seasonings & Flavorings
05 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 teaspoon crushed red chilli flakes (optional)
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 -
15 grams fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
11 -
Salt, to taste
12 -
200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, reducing the time by one minute for a firm bite. Reserve 120 millilitres of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain pasta well, without rinsing.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles, until browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
03 -
Season beef with salt and black pepper. Stir in minced garlic, chopped onion, red chilli flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Add chopped parsley and reserved pasta water. Simmer until the beef is tender and flavors meld, about 8 to 10 minutes.
04 -
Add cooked ziti to the skillet and toss well. Stir in 100 grams of shredded mozzarella until combined. Scatter remaining mozzarella over the top, cover skillet with lid, and heat until cheese is melted.
05 -
Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Reserving pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce for better texture.
02 -
You may substitute leftover cooked pasta to save time on busy evenings.
03 -
For a milder dish, omit or reduce the amount of red chilli flakes.