Quick & Cozy Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Busy Nights

Culinary magic happens when cheesy beef pasta skillet reimagines ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

This one-pan wonder combines hearty protein with comforting carbohydrates in a dance of flavor and texture.

Home cooks seek simple yet satisfying meals that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Rich, melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that elevates humble ingredients to restaurant-quality status.

Robust beef provides substantial nutrition and depth, while pasta serves as the perfect canvas for deliciousness.

Families and friends gather around this crowd-pleasing dish, savoring each creamy, savory bite.

Weekend warriors and weeknight warriors alike will appreciate this quick and delectable meal solution.

Tips for Extra Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta

• Beef Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors and prevent excess moisture.
• Vegetable Sauté Secrets: Cut onions and bell peppers into uniform sizes for even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Roux Mastery: Stir flour continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce base.
• Pasta Perfection: Submerge pasta completely in liquid and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve consistent al dente texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and create a creamy, smooth sauce that coats every pasta bite.

Save and Reheat Cheesy Pasta Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Reheating Method: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook until the pasta reaches a steaming hot temperature throughout.
• Freezing Option: Freeze the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: Consider freezing in individual portions for quick and convenient meal prep.

What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Skillet Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy beef pasta. The wine's tannins will cut through the creamy cheese and balance the hearty dish.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy pasta. The acidity and crunch will help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of flavor. The crispy, garlicky bread will enhance the overall eating experience and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to stand up to the bold flavors of the beef and cheese. The beer's carbonation will help cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Cheesy Beef Pasta Add-Ins to Try Tonight

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add diced green chiles. Incorporate taco seasoning instead of oregano and basil. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Swap beef with ground lamb and add Mediterranean spices like za'atar and cumin. Include crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add mushrooms and zucchini for additional texture. Use nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese for a dairy-free option. Include smoked paprika for depth.
• Creamy Chicken Version: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken. Use mozzarella and parmesan for a lighter cheese profile. Add spinach for extra nutrients and color. Incorporate dried thyme for a subtle herbal note.

What’s Comforting About Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet

• Quick One-Pot Wonder: This recipe eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making dinner preparation incredibly easy and stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combining hearty ground beef, aromatic vegetables, rich cheeses, and savory spices creates a deeply satisfying meal that delivers maximum taste in every single bite.
• Customizable Culinary Experience: Home cooks can easily swap ingredients like different cheese varieties, protein options, or vegetables to match personal preferences and pantry availability, making this recipe super flexible and adaptable.

Ingredients That Make Cheesy Beef Pasta So Good

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein with rich flavor, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Beef Drippings: Adds extra depth and richness to the dish.

• Pasta: Core component that absorbs flavors and provides substance, choose short pasta like penne or rotini.

• Onion: Provides aromatic base and sweet undertone, fresh yellow or white onion recommended.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and mild sweetness, red or green bell pepper work well.
• Garlic: Brings intense flavor and depth, fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts smoothly, sharp or medium varieties work best.
• Velveeta: Ensures ultra-creamy consistency and additional melting properties.

• Beef Broth: Provides savory liquid base for cooking pasta.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy background flavor and moisture.

• Flour: Thickens sauce and creates smooth roux.
• Oregano: Adds herbal Mediterranean note.
• Basil: Contributes fresh, aromatic undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory profile.
• Salt: Balances and heightens other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.

One-Skillet Cheesy Beef Pasta in Simple Steps

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, keeping of drippings in the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper

Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet. Whisk constantly to blend the roux smoothly, preventing any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Boost Flavor Profile

• Tomato sauce
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Submerge pasta completely in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 7: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Velveeta

Stir until cheeses melt and sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 8: Final Warming and Serving

Return cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients. Heat for 2 minutes to warm the beef. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious comfort meal!

Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet delivers comfort with Italian-inspired flair. Savory ground beef melts into creamy sauce, creating a one-pan meal perfect for quick family dinners that will satisfy your comfort cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 0.5 cup diced bell pepper

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta of choice (e.g., farfalle)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces (4 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

Broth and Sauce:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then thoroughly brown the ground beef. Eliminate excess fat, reserving of drippings in the pan.
2. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring consistently for one minute to create a smooth thickening base for the sauce.
4. Gradually stream beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to integrate the roux seamlessly and prevent lumps from forming. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle boil.
5. Incorporate tomato sauce and seasonings including oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Submerge pasta completely in the liquid, ensuring each piece is covered. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
7. Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream (237 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces), shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed Velveeta. Stir consistently until cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef to the skillet, folding gently to integrate all components. Warm for an additional 2 minutes, then serve this luscious one-pan meal immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Quickly brown ground beef to seal in rich flavors and drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
• Sauté vegetables until softened to release their natural sweetness and enhance overall taste profile.
• Create a smooth roux by carefully stirring flour with sautéed vegetables to guarantee a thick, luxurious sauce.
• Ensure pasta is fully submerged while cooking to guarantee even cooking and perfect al dente texture.
• Stir cheese gradually and on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Allow beef to reheat briefly at the end to maintain its moisture and integrate seamlessly with the cheesy pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 492 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg