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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A delightful one-pan dish combining creamy mozzarella, juicy ground beef, and al dente ziti pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese
  • 2 cups ziti pasta (cooked) Tender and perfectly al dente, ready to absorb all the flavors.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella Melty and gooey, bringing everything together.
Meat and Aromatics
  • 1 pound ground beef Juicy and flavorful, forming the heart of this dish.
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Adds a smooth richness.
  • 1 onion chopped Sweet and aromatic, providing an excellent base.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Essential for depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper Subtly adds a nice kick.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Intricately adds savory notes.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Lends a rich umami and vibrant color.
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional) For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish) Fresh green notes to brighten the dish.
Other
  • Salt to taste To enhance all the flavors perfectly.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute to ensure it remains firm.
  2. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use and drain the remaining pasta without rinsing.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add the ground beef and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 2 minutes until browned.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Incorporate the minced garlic, chopped onion, and optional chili flakes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  4. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and reserved pasta water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the beef is tender and well-integrated with the flavors.
  5. Toss the cooked ziti into the skillet along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
  6. Top the skillet with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid, and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with additional parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness.

Notes

You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.