Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet (Printable Version)
One pan, gooey cheese, ground beef, and ziti come together for a quick clean-up and cozy meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 onion, finely chopped
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, extra-virgin
03 -
2 cups cooked ziti pasta (check notes)
04 -
1 pound ground beef
→ Seasonings & Flavorings
05 -
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
06 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 -
3 minced garlic cloves
08 -
2 tablespoons thick tomato paste
09 -
A pinch of salt, or to taste
10 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 -
1/2 cup parsley, chopped, plus some extra for topping
12 -
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
# Steps:
01 -
Prepare the pasta as instructed on the packaging, but cook it 1 minute shorter for al dente. Before draining, set aside 1/2 cup of the water. Don’t rinse after draining.
02 -
Heat up the olive oil in a big pan on high. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks for about 2 minutes. Lower to medium heat.
03 -
Sprinkle the beef with some salt and pepper. Mix in the garlic, onions, chili flakes, Worcestershire, tomato paste, parsley, and 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (or regular water). Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meat softens.
04 -
Stir in the pasta and half the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle the rest over the top, cover with a lid, and let the cheese melt. Add some parsley on top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish comes together in one pan and tastes rich and satisfying. Everyone loves it!
02 -
Speed things up by using leftover pasta if you have any handy.
03 -
Don't skip the pasta water! It adds creaminess and brings everything together.
04 -
You’ll have this dinner on the table in just 25 minutes—great for a hectic evening.