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Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and appeals to the whole family. Its simple ingredients and customizable options make it a versatile and satisfying dinner choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups short pasta (penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini)

Aromatics & Sauce Base

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce

Seasonings & Liquids

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil blend)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes, to build a rich base flavor.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and let flavors meld.
  4. Stir in Pasta and Broth: Add the pasta directly into the skillet, then pour in the broth. This will cook the pasta while simmering with other ingredients.
  5. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes. Once melted and bubbly, the dish is ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use lean beef to reduce grease while maintaining flavor.
  • Brown meat thoroughly to add depth of taste.
  • Stir gently and often to prevent pasta from sticking.
  • Cover skillet while cooking to trap steam and cook pasta evenly.
  • Add broth gradually if pasta is not cooked when liquid is absorbed.

Nutrition

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