Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups ziti pasta cooked (see notes); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 onion chopped; 1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish; Salt to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

When you're craving comfort food that's quick and fuss-free, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is a total game-changer. It's cheesy, savory, and comes together in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hearty meal without a lot of stress.

This close-up image shows a skillet full of cheesy pasta mixed with ground beef. The dish has one main layer where the yellow penne pasta is coated in melted cheese and brown ground beef bits scattered throughout, with small green herb pieces mixed in. Cheese stretches down in thin strings from the pasta to the skillet below. The skillet is black and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe more times than I can count, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and satisfying without hours in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy cheese paired with the savory beef sauce hits all the right cozy notes.

Quick and Easy: This skillet dinner comes together fast, perfect when time is tight but comfort is non-negotiable.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, so cleanup is minimal—something I always appreciate after a busy day.
Customizable Comfort: It's straightforward to tweak the spices or cheese to make it your signature dish.
Family Favorite: It’s a winner with kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze and full of smiles.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays its part, from tender pasta soaking up the rich sauce to the melty cheese that ties everything together. Here’s why I pick these ingredients and a few ideas when shopping.

Flat lay of cooked ziti pasta, a small pool of extra-virgin olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a heap of fresh ground beef, whole brown onion peeled and chopped, three cloves of garlic unpeeled, a small white bowl of crushed red chili flakes, a small white bowl with thick tomato paste, fresh green parsley sprigs and chopped parsley, a small white bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, whole uncracked brown eggs, a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ziti Pasta: Its tube shape holds sauce perfectly, but feel free to swap with penne or rigatoni if that's what you have on hand.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Adds a clean, fruity brightness to cook the beef and veggies without overpowering flavors.
Ground Beef: I go for 80/20 for juiciness and flavor—leaner options work but can dry out faster.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that punch of aroma and depth every savory skillet needs.
Red Chili Flakes: Totally optional, but I love a little heat—it wakes up the dish without stealing the show.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami richness. It amps up the meaty flavor like magic.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and adds that lovely depth.
Onion: Chopped onion provides sweetness and texture—don’t skip it.
Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color at the end; it really brightens this hearty skillet.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey glue that makes this dish irresistible—freshly shredded melts best.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust as you taste while cooking to keep flavor balanced.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap mozzarella for cheddar or add a sprinkle of parmesan on top. Sometimes I sneak in veggies for extra color and nutrition.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onion—this adds a nice texture and sneaky greens.
Spice It Up: If you like it spicy, add a pinch more chili flakes or some smoked paprika for that warm depth.
Cheese Swap: Provolone or fontina are lovely alternatives if you want a different melty cheese vibe.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check Worcestershire sauce ingredients to keep it safe without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

A top view of a black cast iron pan filled with cooked ground beef forming the base layer, topped with a bright orange shredded cheddar cheese layer on the left side and a large white block of cream cheese on the right side, all sitting on a light wood surface replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions, but stop about one minute before it’s fully cooked (al dente). This way, the pasta can finish cooking in the skillet with the beef and sauce, soaking up all those flavors. Don’t forget to scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce if it seems too thick.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, and add your ground beef. I like using a wooden spoon to break it apart evenly as it browns for about 2 minutes—this helps develop that rich, caramelized flavor. Then, turn the heat to medium and season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, garlic, and chili flakes if you’re using them, stirring to combine and soften the onions gently.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients and Simmer

Mix in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, then pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen everything up. Toss in the parsley and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. This slow simmer fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma that makes you ready to eat!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese, Then Melt

Finally, stir in the pasta and about half the mozzarella cheese, mixing until everything’s evenly coated and melty. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes so the cheese melts perfectly—no oven required. I like to garnish with extra fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found these tips super helpful to nail the best texture and flavor every time. The most important trick? Watch your pasta cooking time carefully and always save some pasta water—it’s magic for getting the sauce just right.

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stopping the pasta just shy of done prevents mushy noodles once everything simmers together.
Glass Lid Helps: If you have a glass lid, use it to melt the cheese so you can peek in and avoid over-melting or drying out.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded bags due to anti-caking agents.
Don’t Skip Worcestershire Sauce: It might seem small, but without it, the beef sauce lacks that extra depth I love so much.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

The image shows a shiny metal pan with two handles filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with pieces of carrot, green peas, and bits of meat, all topped with chopped green herbs. The pasta is light yellow, coated in a creamy sauce that looks smooth and thick. The carrots add bright orange spots, the peas add small green pops, and the meat pieces are light brown and scattered evenly. Behind the pan, two salt and pepper shakers stand on a white marbled surface with a simple cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for freshness and a little extra mozzarella if I’m feeling cheesy. Sometimes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. A grating of Parmesan on top is also a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or classic garlic bread for mopping up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also balance the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve this skillet directly in a cast-iron pan at the table, letting everyone help themselves—it's casual but inviting. You can also portion into oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle cheese on top, and broil for a minute or two for an extra bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for easy next-day lunches. Just be sure to stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish but I'd recommend freezing before adding the mozzarella for best texture. Portion the beef and pasta mixture into freezer-safe containers, then add fresh cheese when reheating. It freezes and thaws well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally. If you're in a hurry, cover and microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each to keep the cheese smooth and prevent hotspots.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti works great because it holds sauce so well, penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni can be swapped in without changing the deliciousness. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze before adding the cheese. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh mozzarella when reheating to keep it gooey and melty.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies for bulk. Using vegetable Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce keeps the umami flavor deep.

How do I adjust the spice level in the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe?

The red chili flakes are optional and easy to adjust. Start with a small pinch and increase to suit your taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for different types of heat.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it’s reliable, comforting, and so adaptable. I love how the simple ingredients come together to feel like a treat every time. If you're looking for an easy but satisfying dinner that feels homemade and warm, give this one a try—you'll be so glad you did.