If you’re searching for a soul-warming dinner that’s ready before anyone can ask, “What’s for supper?”, nothing beats the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format). This one-pan marvel merges beefy richness, golden mozzarella, and a hearty tomato base with just the right lift from fresh parsley—all bubbled together in less than half an hour. The beauty of this dish isn’t just its flavor-packed coziness; it’s how weeknight-friendly and forgiving it is, ensuring an inviting pasta dinner that’s as friendly on your schedule as it is on your tastebuds.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no ingredient wasted here—every component in this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) is essential, bringing something memorable to the table. From robust, juicy beef to melty mozzarella and a lift of fresh herbs, this list keeps things straightforward so you can focus on the fun (and the flavor).

Ziti pasta: Hearty and hollow, ziti perfectly collects all that savory sauce and gooey cheese—cook it just shy of al dente for that ideal bite.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef to juicy, golden perfection.
Ground beef: The backbone of this skillet, lending savory richness and plenty of satisfying protein.
Onion: Brings a sweet and mellow base that builds the first layer of flavor.
Black pepper: Just enough spice to bring all the other flavors forward—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Three cloves bring gorgeous aroma and a gentle punch that infuses every bite.
Crushed red chili flakes: A touch of heat for excitement (adjust more or less to your preference).
Worcestershire sauce: Adds surprising depth and umami with just one tablespoon.
Tomato paste: Delivers concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce.
Chopped parsley (plus more for garnish): Fresh, grassy, and vibrant, parsley cuts through the richness—don’t skimp on the garnish!
Salt: Essential for boosting all the other flavors; add your perfect amount.
Shredded mozzarella: The classic, stretchy cheese pull that makes this skillet so gloriously cheesy.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta according to the package—but take it out one minute before it would be perfectly al dente. You want the noodles to have some texture because they’ll finish cooking in the skillet. It’s key to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the pot—trust me, this little step will make your skillet sauce glossy and luscious. After draining, do not rinse the pasta; you want those starches to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta is draining, grab your largest, heaviest skillet and crank the heat to high. Add the olive oil, then slide in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles as it cooks; you want to see some nice browning after about two minutes. Browning the beef over high heat develops flavor—don’t rush this part. Once you’ve got some color, dial the heat down to medium.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Now it’s time to build bold flavor. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt and your black pepper; then stir in the chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed red chili flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the tomato paste, parsley, and that reserved pasta water (or plain water if you forgot). Give everything a good stir, then let the mixture simmer gently for eight to ten minutes. The beef will become ridiculously tender and all those seasonings will meld together to create a flavor-packed base for your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format).

Step 4: Assemble and Melt

Almost there! Toss in your drained ziti, followed by half of your shredded mozzarella. Give everything a loving fold so the cheese melts into the beefy sauce and the pasta gets coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella all over the top, then cover the skillet with a lid. In just a minute or two the cheese will melt into bubbly, stretchy perfection—just the right moment to toss on extra parsley for a pop of color. The Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format)

Garnishes

A flurry of chopped fresh parsley scattered over the top transforms this dish from homey to downright irresistible. If you love extra bite, shave a dusting of Parmesan or even a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Don’t underestimate the magic of a fresh herb finish—it’s both practical and beautiful, making each forkful pop.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread is the classic choice here, ready to scoop up every drop of sauce. For something lighter, a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette provides a zippy contrast to all that rich, cheesy goodness. Steamed broccoli or buttery green beans round off this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) with bright, fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the family-style route and serve the skillet right in the center of your dinner table—letting everyone dig in for seconds. Or, for a fun twist, spoon the cheesy pasta into little ramekins or ovenproof bowls and give them a few minutes under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top. No matter the presentation, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) looks and tastes like comfort itself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, let the skillet cool completely before scooping the leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for a seriously crave-worthy next-day lunch.

Freezing

This dish is absolutely freezer-friendly. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating—just be prepared for everyone to ask about that heavenly aroma!

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portion into a skillet or ovenproof dish, splash in a tablespoon or two of water or broth, and cover tightly. Warm gently over low heat or in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. If the cheese looks a bit lackluster, add a little extra mozzarella during reheating for bonus gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Absolutely! While ziti is ideal for trapping sauce and cheese, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work beautifully in this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format). Use what you have on hand and enjoy experimenting with texture.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead?

Yes! Prepare everything up through adding the mozzarella, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore the gooey topping.

What’s the best ground beef for this recipe?

An 80/20 or 85/15 blend (meaning 80 or 85 percent lean) provides enough fat for maximum flavor without being greasy. If you use extra-lean beef, you may want to add a touch more olive oil or even a bit of butter for richness.

Can I add vegetables to Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format)?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be cooked along with the beef and onions to sneak in extra veggies without losing the dish’s cozy appeal.

What’s the secret to super-silky sauce?

Don’t skip the reserved pasta water! That starchy liquid is a game-changer; it binds the sauce, keeps everything glossy, and helps the cheese melt into a luscious blanket throughout your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format).

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a family dinner that comforts, excites, and genuinely brings everyone to the table, let this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) be your go-to. It’s the simple joy of home cooking—cheesy, hearty, and made for sharing. Give it a try tonight and let its warmth welcome you home.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet (Print Format) Recipe