Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the ultimate solution for a comforting, quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring savory ground beef, tender ziti, and a luscious melted mozzarella topping, this one-pan dinner is designed for busy households looking for flavor without the cleanup. It balances hearty protein and satisfying carbohydrates, making it a reliable, family-friendly dish that delivers restaurant-quality comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 cups ziti pasta, cooked al dente
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and sauté until translucent, then add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper, cooking until the beef is browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss with the beef mixture, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
If you do not have ziti, penne or rigatoni work perfectly as substitutes. You can also swap the mozzarella for sharp white cheddar for a tangier flavor profile. To add a veggie boost, feel free to sauté diced bell peppers or spinach along with the onions.
Find it online: https://www.claricerecipes.com/cheesy-ground-beef-pasta-skillet/