Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is great for holding sauce, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand.

What’s the secret to keeping the pasta from getting mushy?

The key is to cook the pasta just under al dente, then finish cooking it in the skillet with the sauce and cheese. This way it won’t overcook and become mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You might want to add extra tomato paste or seasoning to boost flavor.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet - Quick & Flavorful Dinner

Name: Delicious 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 (about 1 teaspoon recommended); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs, combined with perfectly cooked al dente ziti pasta, and generous amounts of melted mozzarella cheese. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste adds depth of flavor, while the crushed red chili flakes bring a mild kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's an easy, delicious dinner for four.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups ziti pasta cooked (see NOTES)

Meat and Sauce

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 (about 1 teaspoon recommended)

Cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, but reduce cooking time by 1 minute to keep it slightly firm. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta.
Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it while breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes.
Simmer with aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Season the beef with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onions, crushed red chili flakes if using, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water (or plain water if you prefer). Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and flavors are well combined, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add pasta and cheese: Toss the cooked ziti pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce, then add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
Finish and serve: Top the pasta mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the cheese to melt slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Using leftover cooked pasta works well for this recipe; if you need to cook pasta fresh, follow package instructions but stop cooking 1 minute earlier to retain firmness.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for umami depth.
To make it gluten free, use gluten-free pasta instead of ziti.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg