Look no further for the ultimate weeknight comfort food: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is here to capture your tastebuds and your heart! This one-pan wonder transforms simple pantry ingredients into a hearty, bubbling dish brimming with savory flavors, golden melted cheese, and just the right touch of spice. Every spoonful brings together tender ziti, juicy ground beef, luscious mozzarella, and a punchy burst of herbs and tomato. What makes this skillet uniquely lovable is how quickly it comes together, all with minimal cleanup—just pure, unpretentious joy in a bowl. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or an impromptu family gathering, you’ll be making this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this dish is how a handful of accessible ingredients combine to create such irresistible flavor and comfort. Each element plays a special role—bringing depth, texture, and pops of color to your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help make every ingredient shine!

Ziti Pasta: Its tubular shape hugs the savory sauce and cheese perfectly; cook just shy of al dente for the best texture.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to the beef and helps everything brown beautifully in your skillet.
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish! Opt for 80/20 so you get plenty of flavor without too much excess fat.
Black Pepper: Just a touch wakes up all the flavors—use freshly cracked for even more zing.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives fragrant depth; don’t be shy, garlic lovers can always add an extra clove or two.
Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended if you like a little heat.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that umami punch and subtle complexity you didn’t know your skillet dinners needed.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor—don’t skip this!
Onion: Chopped onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, providing a perfect aromatic base.
Chopped Parsley: Half goes into the skillet for herby freshness, and the rest brightens everything up as garnish.
Salt: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of your cheese and beef.
Shredded Mozzarella: The crowning touch—pulled and bubbly straight from the skillet, it makes each bite super satisfying.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your ziti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water, but take it out one minute before the package says it’s al dente. Draining it at this stage means your pasta finishes cooking right in the skillet, soaking up all those rich flavors. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for bringing the sauce together!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat up the extra-virgin olive oil in your biggest skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and get in there with a wooden spoon, breaking it up into bite-sized crumbles. After about two minutes, when it’s nicely caramelized, lower the heat to medium. This is where the flavorful base of your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet really starts to build.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Now, stir in the salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped onion, and (if you like a little kick) those crushed red chili flakes. Let everything cook together until the onions begin to soften and the beef mixture becomes ultra-fragrant—it only takes a couple of minutes, but the aroma will make you want to dive in early!

Step 4: Add Umami and Depth

Spoon in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Then, toss in half a cup of that reserved pasta water and half of your chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for about 8 to 10 minutes, so the sauce thickens up and everything tunes into pure savory harmony.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Cheese

Add your slightly undercooked ziti directly into the skillet, followed by one cup of the shredded mozzarella. Toss everything together so the cheese melts and the pasta is coated in that rich, meaty sauce. Scatter the remaining mozzarella over the top, put a lid on your skillet, and let the cheese get perfectly gooey for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a shower of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Get ready for some oohs and aahs when you bring it to the table—this skillet is irresistible!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a no-brainer for adding a pop of color and brightening the flavors, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little extra black pepper or even a pinch of grated Parmesan on top. A spoonful of chili flakes is fantastic if you crave extra heat. Remember, sometimes it’s the final flourish that makes your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet feel restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to hold its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed green beans. A loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness from your skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet family-style straight from the skillet—no frills, just rustic charm. For a fun twist, try portioning it into small ovenproof dishes, top each with extra mozzarella, and give them a final broil for mini cheesy casseroles. Or, pile spoonfuls onto toasted bread for hearty open-faced sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a dream for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then move it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to two months. Just know that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors are still fabulous.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen things up, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re microwaving, cover the dish and pause halfway to stir, ensuring even heat and gooey, melty cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work beautifully in Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Stick with short, sturdy shapes for the best texture and ability to hold the sauce and cheese.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Definitely—try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian spin. Just keep in mind you may want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.

How spicy does it get with the chili flakes?

The crushed red chili flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the dish without overwhelming your tastebuds. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your spice preferences—or leave it out altogether for a milder Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet.

Do I need to use mozzarella cheese?

Mozzarella is fantastic for that gooey, pull-apart effect, but you can also mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for extra richness or a bolder flavor.

What’s the best way to make this ahead of time?

If you want to get a jump on dinner, cook the beef and sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, combine everything in the skillet, top with cheese, and heat until bubbly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, unbelievably tasty, and sure to be a family favorite, give this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet a try. It just might earn a permanent spot in your comfort food repertoire! Gather your ingredients and see how satisfying a simple skillet meal can be.