Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Pasta made with perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy one-skillet recipe combines the flavors of a classic pasta dish with a gooey cheese topping, baked to perfection in the oven for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces (1/2 a box) medium pasta, such as malloreddus, shells, or rotini
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably grass-fed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Cheese
- One 20-ounce jar pasta sauce
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta and one-quarter (about 1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet with the sauce, mixing until evenly combined.
- Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- For spicier flavor, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Substitute sharp cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes can be used in place of ground beef for variations.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe before placing in the oven to avoid damage.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cheesy ground beef pasta, skillet pasta, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, ground beef skillet, cheddar cheese pasta