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recipe image of realistic top down mise en place shot showing fresh ground beef pasta mozzarella cheese cheddar cheese beef broth onion garlic tomato sauce diced tomatoes tomato paste olive oil butter heavy cream sour cream parmesan cheese worcestershire sauce italian seasoning salt black pepper red pepper flakes garlic powder fresh parsley basil arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet Dinner

A comforting and easy-to-make cheesy ground beef and pasta skillet dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a meal that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef 90/10 lean blend
  • 12 oz Pasta penne, rigatoni, or shells
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. As the meat sizzles, use your wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Create a small well in the center of the pan and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 60 seconds until the fragrance fills the room.
  3. Pour in a splash of beef broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stir in the dry pasta. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. If you find you need more liquid, you can add a little bit more broth.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, firm but tender. Every few minutes, give it a stir to prevent sticking.
  6. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the dish into a creamy tomato beef pasta skillet.
  7. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Turn off the heat and replace the lid for two minutes. When you lift the lid, the sight of bubbling, stringy cheese is truly therapeutic.
  8. Finish with a handful of fresh parsley or basil. The green against the golden cheese makes the skillet pasta dinner look as good as it tastes.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30g

Notes

This cheesy ground beef and pasta skillet dinner is a staple in the Motter household because it bridges the gap between chaos and connection, offering a family-friendly dinner that even the pickiest eaters embrace with open arms.
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