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Nothing beats a hearty, cheesy, one-pan meal after a long day, and this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet checks every box. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This dish combines tender penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, savory tomato paste, aromatic garlic and onions, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese—all in one skillet. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave comfort food without the hassle.

This dish brings together the best elements of a classic pasta dinner—meaty, cheesy, and slightly spicy—with the convenience of a one-skillet recipe. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots or prep complicated ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite veggies, different meats, or spice levels. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to dig into a dish that’s warm, filling, and unbelievably delicious with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Made in just one pan, this dish is perfect for busy nights when time is short.
Family-Friendly – Mildly spiced and loaded with cheese, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Minimal Cleanup – One skillet means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
Hearty and Satisfying – Packed with protein and carbs, it’s a complete meal that fills you up.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with different meats, veggies, or spice levels.

Ingredients

Cooked penne pasta
Extra-virgin olive oil
Ground beef
Ground black pepper
Minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste
White onion, chopped
Italian seasoning
Salt
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

Change the Protein

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor.

Make It Spicy

Add chopped jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Veggie Boost

Stir in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.

Use Different Pasta

Substitute penne with rotini, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni—whatever you have on hand.

Cheese Options

Mix mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or parmesan for a more complex cheesy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.

Step 2

Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until no longer pink.

Step 3

Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat the beef.

Step 5

Fold in the cooked penne pasta and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low heat until the cheese melts.

Step 7

Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melt and texture.
Drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy dish.
Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed in.
Adjust spice level by controlling red pepper flakes.
Let the cheese melt slowly with the lid on for the perfect gooey finish.

How to Serve

Serve hot straight from the skillet, paired with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For extra flair, top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or even a casual weekend gathering meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or shells will work.

3. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

You can use soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar as a substitute.

4. Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to your taste.

5. Can I make it without cheese?

Yes, but it won’t be as creamy and rich. Try a dairy-free cheese alternative instead.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well.

7. What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is classic, but turkey or chicken are great leaner options.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Use al dente pasta and avoid overcooking after combining with sauce.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or make it in batches.

10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave or stovetop, with a splash of water to refresh the texture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight meal—fast, flavorful, comforting, and endlessly versatile. With simple ingredients and just one pan, it turns everyday staples into a crave-worthy dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it fresh or reheating leftovers, it delivers satisfying results every time. Add it to your recipe rotation and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.