Description
This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all cooked together in a skillet for easy preparation and cleanup. Topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley, it's perfect for a satisfying family dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound dry pasta
- 2-3 cups beef stock
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, minced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the finely diced onion and red pepper. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula or meat chopper, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Pour in the dry pasta, 2 cups of beef stock, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and allow the mixture to cook until the pasta is al dente, adding more beef stock as needed to ensure the pasta cooks and does not dry out.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover or reduce the heat to low and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top if desired for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta shape such as penne, rotini, or shells if you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of beef stock depending on how saucy you want the dish; adding more liquid will result in a softer pasta texture.
- For a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
