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Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/ground-beef-pasta-skillet/