Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, the rich flavors of garlic and onions, and the comforting taste of tender pasta coated in a gooey layer of melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together quickly and easily, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is both practical and delicious, making it an instant favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see Notes)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to al dente package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, and do not rinse the pasta.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onions, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and reserved pasta water, stirring well. Let it simmer until the meat is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, mixing well until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta.
- Finish the Dish: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the cheese to melt completely. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cooking Pasta: To achieve the perfect texture, cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should have a slight firmness when bitten. This helps it hold up better when combined with the sauce.
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the ziti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, and use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.