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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Pasta: One Pot Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pot dinner featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly meal is pure comfort food that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (rotini, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (55g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish, red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Break it into crumbles and cook until browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Sauce Base: Push the beef and onions to one side. Add the tomato paste to the empty space and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to toast it. Then stir everything together.
  4. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce heat to a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add a splash more broth if needed.
  6. Add the Cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the top and stir until completely melted and creamy.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let sit for 2 minutes off the heat, then stir once more. Serve straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Toast the tomato paste for deeper flavor. Stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed if pasta absorbs too quickly. This recipe is highly customizable—add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, or swap the protein for ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, ground beef skillet, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, 30 minute meal

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