Description
This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick, delicious, and wholesome weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes. Combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce, it offers a comforting all-in-one dish with minimal cleanup, versatile ingredients, and family-friendly flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then add the pasta directly to the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to mix well.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, cover again, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a lighter dish.
- Use short pasta like rotini or rigatoni for best sauce retention.
- Monitor pasta closely to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Toast seasonings briefly in the skillet for enhanced aroma.
- Let the skillet rest off heat for a couple minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef pasta skillet, quick dinner, one-pan meal, weeknight recipe, easy pasta skillet, family meal