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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef pasta skillet, quick dinner, one-pan pasta, weeknight meal, easy skillet recipe, family friendly pasta