Description
Easy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this one-pan wonder combines ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese into a comforting weeknight dinner everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy families!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Pasta: 8 ounces (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups (mozzarella & cheddar mix)
- Canned diced tomatoes: 14.5 ounces
- Beef broth: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms
- Spices: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion until soft (3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned (6-7 minutes). Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients
- Stir in canned diced tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Add Cheese
- Mix in half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later. It helps make the dish creamy and binds the sauce to the pasta.
- Choose the Right Skillet: Use a large, wide skillet to ensure there’s enough space for mixing all ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Cover the skillet after adding the cheese on top to create a gooey, melted layer. For a crispy finish, broil it briefly in the oven if your skillet is oven-safe.
- Prep Time: 10 MIN
- Cook Time: 20 MIN