If you’re searching for a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, vibrant tomatoes, and a blend of savory spices, it all comes together in one pan for an easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers big taste with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saver: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Wonder: Combines all ingredients in a single skillet, meaning less mess to clean up.
Family-Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef, stretching your dollar without sacrificing taste.
Versatile: Adaptable with veggies, cheeses, or spices to match your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet recipe relies on simple ingredients that each add a key element of flavor and texture. From juicy beef to al dente pasta and a medley of herbs, every component works together to create a satisfying and balanced dish.

Ground Beef: Provides the rich, savory base and protein-packed heartiness.
Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or any small shape; it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Diced Tomatoes: Add a fresh, tangy burst that brightens the skillet.
Onion and Garlic: Build deep, aromatic flavor with these essential aromatics.
Beef Broth: Enhances the sauce and keeps the pasta moist without heaviness.
Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian flair.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar adds creamy, melty goodness on top.
Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics and keeping flavors vibrant.
Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and balance all the ingredients.

Variations for Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. It’s a flexible framework that welcomes creativity!

Swap Ground Beef for Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to heat things up.
Cheese Variations: Try parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different cheesy texture.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free noodles to fit dietary restrictions.

Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet for Dinner Tonight

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef. Cook and crumble the meat until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep it lean and healthy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together before adding the pasta. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for around 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet’s surface, cover again, and allow it to melt into the hot pasta and beef mixture, creating a gooey, irresistible finish.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat and serve right away for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top brightens the dish beautifully.
Reserve Pasta Water: If you need to loosen the sauce, a splash of pasta cooking water does wonders.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stop simmering once pasta is al dente to avoid mushy texture.
Brown Meat Well: Developing a nice crust on the beef adds a depth of flavor to the skillet.
Customize Cheese: Mix cheeses for complex flavor or top with a sprinkle of parmesan for a sharp finish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can also introduce extra layers that make each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well by adding crunch and balance to the rich, cheesy skillet. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices can soak up the savory sauce for an indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet directly from the pan family-style for a cozy vibe or portion it into individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and herbs for an elegant dinner plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and texture intact.

Freezing

This dish freezes well in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and keep the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times if necessary.

What kind of pasta works best?

Small, short pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or rotini work best because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet freezes well. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing in airtight containers to keep taste and texture optimal.

Can I make this vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced fresh chili peppers when sautéing the aromatics for a flavorful heat boost.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is truly a lifesaver when you want something simple but satisfying on the table fast. With rich flavors, easy prep, and flexible options to make it your own, this skillet dinner will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and the comforting taste that fills your kitchen.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Print Recipe

A quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing Ground Beef Pasta Skillet that combines hearty beef, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and savory Italian spices all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and delicious flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe is budget-friendly and versatile, allowing you to adapt it with veggies, cheeses, or spice to your liking.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb ground beef

Pasta and Grains

2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

Liquids

2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs

1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook and crumble the meat until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired to keep it lean.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir and cook until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their fragrance.
Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together before adding the pasta. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the pasta and beef mixture. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt into the hot skillet, creating a gooey, melty top layer.
Serve Hot: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the dish when serving.
Reserve some pasta cooking water if you need to loosen the sauce later.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta; stop simmering once it’s al dente.
Properly brown the beef to develop flavor and add depth to the dish.
Customize the cheese blend or top with parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 5 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: 70 mg

Keywords: ground beef pasta skillet, one pot pasta, quick weeknight dinner, easy pasta skillet, family dinner, budget-friendly meal