Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and spices, tossed with perfectly cooked ziti pasta and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a delicious family-friendly dinner option with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the recommended cooking time for optimal texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta to retain the starches, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for about 2 minutes until it begins to brown. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Season and Simmer: Season the browned ground beef with salt and black pepper. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, 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 preferred). Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to combine. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ziti or any tubular pasta as a substitute such as penne or rigatoni.
- Subtracting a minute from the pasta cooking time ensures it remains al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water helps to loosen and bind the sauce, thanks to its starch content.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the mozzarella.
