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Easy One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Pasta

cozy cheesy ground beef skillet pasta - featured image
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This cozy, cheesy ground beef skillet pasta is a one-pot wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, made with simple ingredients and packed with savory, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 8 oz (225 g) small pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s browned all over—about 5-7 minutes. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Add the liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, stir in the pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged.
  4. Simmer the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
  5. Add the cream and cheese: Remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and stir gently. Add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth.
  6. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. I usually add an extra pinch of smoked paprika here.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is certified gluten-free. For a lower-carb version, swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground beef skillet, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-one-pot-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-pasta/