Easy Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet – A 25-Minute One-Pot Dinner

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and simple dinner that can be prepared in just a few steps, then the Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet is exactly what you need. This dish brings together the richness of beef, the gooey comfort of cheese, and the satisfying texture of pasta all in one skillet, making it the perfect meal for busy nights or a laid-back weekend dinner. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the five easy steps to making the perfect Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet, share tips for customization, answer common questions, and dive into the nutritional benefits of this comfort food favorite.

Whole wheat pasta can be swapped in for a boost of fiber. Read more about the benefits of whole wheat pasta.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy:

This dish is made in a single skillet, cutting down on prep time and cleanup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Plus, the combination of beef, cheese, and pasta ensures that it will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Science-Backed Techniques:

To get that perfect golden, bubbly cheese on top, we rely on the Maillard reaction, which occurs when proteins and sugars react under heat. This creates that irresistible, caramelized layer that gives every bite a savory depth of flavor.

Flavor & Texture Balance:

The rich beef adds a savory punch, while the cheese gives the dish its creamy, comforting texture. The pasta provides the right base for soaking up all the flavors, and the simple seasoning keeps the dish balanced without overpowering the star ingredients.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe?

Quick Overview:

This Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet is the perfect combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, all cooked together in one pan for minimal mess. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, comforting weekend meals, or feeding a crowd on a budget.

Total Preparation & Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Key Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set them aside. Measure out your pasta and cheese to ensure everything is ready before cooking.

2️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

3️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.

4️⃣ Add the Tomatoes & Broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5️⃣ Cook the Pasta & Add the Cheese:
Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s well-coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips:

• Pro Tip for Extra Creaminess: For a creamier dish, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream along with the beef broth.
• Customizable Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use mild cheese for a more neutral flavor.
• Low and Slow: If you have more time, let the dish simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors develop even further.

Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet

This delicious, one-pan dish combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. The blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese makes this recipe a family favorite, with the added benefit of minimal cleanup. It's customizable, so you can swap in your preferred pasta or cheese.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Skillet Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• 1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set them aside. Measure out your pasta and cheese to ensure everything is ready before cooking.
• 2️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
• 3️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
• 4️⃣ Add the Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• 5️⃣ Cook the Pasta & Add the Cheese: Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s well-coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keyword 30-minute meal, beef, cheese, cheesy pasta, Comfort food,, easy dinner, one-pot meal, quick dinner, quick meals, skillet recipe, weeknight dinner

Troubleshooting Guide (Food Science Fixes)

Problem: My Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet is too dry.
Fix: Add a bit more broth or water and cover the pan to let the pasta soak up the liquid.

Problem: The cheese didn’t melt evenly.
Fix: Make sure you cover the skillet after adding the cheese. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt uniformly.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe:

• Irresistible Flavor – A perfect balance of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta that’s impossible to resist.
• Budget-Friendly – It’s a low-cost recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
• Customizable & Easy – You can easily tweak the ingredients or add your favorite spices and herbs to suit your taste.

Healthy Cooking Tips for Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe:

While this dish is hearty, it can be made a bit lighter with simple substitutions:

• Use lean ground turkey in place of ground beef for a lower-fat option.
• Whole wheat pasta can be swapped in for a boost of fiber.
• Low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.

Nutritional Profile (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 18g

Use lean ground turkey in place of ground beef for a lower-fat option. Learn more about the nutritional profile of lean beef.

What to Serve with Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe?

This Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet pairs perfectly with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh mixed green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

• Best Side Dish: Garlic bread – It complements the cheesy richness and adds some crunch.
• Perfect Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creaminess.
• Extra Topping Ideas: Top with freshly chopped parsley, extra shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.

Top Tips for Perfecting Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta and test for doneness before adding the cheese.
• Use a good quality beef: The flavor of the beef will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Making Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe for a Crowd:

Scaling this recipe up is easy! Simply double or triple the ingredients, and use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven. For serving, offer a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal that will feed a crowd.

Kid-Friendly Version:

To make this dish more kid-friendly, reduce the amount of garlic and use a mild cheese. You can also make it fun by serving it in individual portions or mixing in a bit of tomato sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.

Creative Variations of Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet Recipe:

• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based ground beef and dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.

Best Cooking Tools & Equipment:

• Non-stick skillet: Essential for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure perfect ingredient proportions.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion & Related Recipes

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably ready to dive into this irresistible Beef and Cheese Pasta Skillet! It’s quick, hearty, and packed with cheesy comfort — perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

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