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Weeknight dinners just got easier and more delicious with this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. It’s a hearty, one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish is ideal for families, busy individuals, or anyone looking to whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it offers a bold, cheesy flavor and a hint of spice that’s both comforting and exciting.

Perfect for those who love pasta but want something more robust than your average red sauce dish, this skillet recipe delivers all the richness of a baked pasta casserole—without the extra steps. With seasoned beef, a hint of garlic, a touch of chili flakes, and the umami punch of Worcestershire sauce, each bite is deeply flavorful. Finished with a generous layer of melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this is a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again when you want big flavor fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and everything cooks in a single skillet.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying for even picky eaters.
Customizable Heat Level – Add or skip the chili flakes depending on your spice preference.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes great leftovers and can be doubled easily for weekly meals.
Budget-Conscious – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples for a filling and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Ziti pasta (cooked)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Ground beef
Pepper
Garlic (minced)
Crushed red chili flakes (optional)
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste
Onion (chopped)
Parsley (chopped)
Salt
Shredded mozzarella

Variations

Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage instead of beef or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
Pasta Swap: Use penne, rotini, or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, provolone, or a blend for new flavor profiles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic, ground beef, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with more fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds richness and depth to the dish.
Add cheese in two layers if you like a cheesier texture throughout.
Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta after adding it to the skillet.
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or red wine before adding tomato paste.

How to Serve

Serve hot straight from the skillet with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge until ready to reheat and serve.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely—any short pasta like penne or rigatoni will work.

3. Is this dish spicy?

Only if you include the crushed red chili flakes—it’s easy to adjust to your taste.

4. Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, substitute ground beef with your preferred protein.

5. What can I use instead of mozzarella?

Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

6. How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?

Cook it al dente initially, and don’t simmer too long once combined with the sauce.

7. Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check all labels to ensure the rest of the ingredients are compliant.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or divide into two pans.

9. What can I serve this with?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed veggies all pair perfectly.

10. Can I add marinara or tomato sauce?

Yes, for a saucier dish, add a cup of marinara along with the tomato paste.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort meal—savory, satisfying, and unbelievably simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, affordable, and packed with bold, cheesy goodness. With endless customization options and minimal cleanup, it’s a reliable favorite you’ll reach for time and again. Try it tonight and enjoy the warm, cheesy embrace of a home-cooked classic.