Savory Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick and delicious solutions, and this hearty cheesy beef pasta skillet recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Sizzling ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that promises instant satisfaction.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of melted cheese and savory meat that speaks directly to your hunger.

The one-pan wonder comes together faster than ordering takeout, saving you precious time and energy after a long day.

Seasoned with classic herbs and spices, this skillet meal packs serious flavor into every bite.

Grab your favorite skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing dinner that disappears in minutes.

Ready to transform your weeknight cooking with minimal effort and maximum taste?

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Power Up Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and protein punch; choose lean cuts for healthier option and better texture.
• Beef Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and provides moisture for cooking; select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide sweet, crisp texture and layered flavor complexity; select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic base note; opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced for more robust taste.

• Flour: Creates silky roux for thickening sauce; use all-purpose flour for smooth consistency.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy richness and binding element; choose high-quality, preservative-free sauce.
• Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuse classic Italian-inspired seasonings; use dried herbs for concentrated flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Pasta: Core foundation of dish; select short pasta like penne or rotini for best sauce absorption.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture; use full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy cheese flavor; shred from block for superior melting.
• Velveeta: Ensures ultra-smooth, creamy consistency; melts perfectly for uniform sauce.

Tools to Make Your Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Sizzle

• Large skillet with lid: Essential for cooking beef, sautéing vegetables, and creating the entire one-pan meal.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Colander or strainer: Helpful for draining excess beef fat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing onions and bell peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.

Let’s Cook: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet from Start to Finish

• Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef in a large skillet, creating a flavorful base for the dish. Remove excess fat while keeping some drippings for added richness.

• Vegetable Awakening

Toss diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic into the skillet. Let them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic essence and building complex flavor layers.

• Sauce Magic

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, creating a silky foundation for the sauce. Pour beef broth gradually, whisking to develop a smooth, luxurious texture.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce tomato sauce and a symphony of herbs and spices. Let them mingle and create a robust, mouth-watering profile that will make taste buds sing.

• Pasta Symphony

Submerge pasta in the liquid, allowing it to absorb all the incredible flavors. Cover and let it simmer until perfectly tender and infused with deliciousness.

• Cheese Heaven

Stir in heavy cream and a blend of cheeses, transforming the dish into a creamy, irresistible masterpiece. Watch as the cheeses melt and create a luxurious sauce.

• Final Flourish

Reunite the beef with the pasta, giving everything a final warm embrace. Serve immediately and enjoy a skillet of pure comfort and satisfaction.

Flavor Swaps for Your Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet Fix

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to create a zesty kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add more texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda to create unique and exciting flavor layers.

Serving That Skillet Hot and Hearty

• Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair this hearty pasta skillet with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Garnish with Herb Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, zesty touch and create visual appeal.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add warm garlic bread or crusty rolls on the side to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and make the dish even more satisfying.
• Customize with Toppings: Let diners add extra shredded cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize their individual servings.

Stash Your Skillets the Smart Way

• Maximize Meal Prep: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for quick, delicious reheats during busy weeknights.
• Freeze Smart: Portion the skillet meal into freezer-safe containers, keeping up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Store Strategically: Keep refrigerated meals for 3-4 days, ensuring peak flavor and food safety by storing promptly after cooling to room temperature.

Sizzling Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cheesy beef pasta skillet combines ground beef and melted cheese in one satisfying pan. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, comforting meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (227 g) pasta of choice (e.g., farfalle)
• 4 oz (113 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) can tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup (75 g) diced onion
• 0.5 cup (75 g) diced bell pepper
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp basil
• 0.25 tsp pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining excess fat while preserving essential drippings.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatics release their fragrant essence.
3. Sauce Foundation: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently to create a smooth roux that will serve as the sauce’s thickening agent.
4. Liquid Integration: Stream beef broth into the skillet, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and achieve a seamless liquid base, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Blend tomato sauce with oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
6. Pasta Immersion: Submerge pasta completely in the liquid, covering the skillet and simmering for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent adherence to the pan.
7. Cheese Transformation: Reduce heat and fold in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Velveeta, stirring until the cheeses melt into a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every ingredient.
8. Final Assembly: Reintroduce browned ground beef to the skillet, gently combining all components and warming for an additional 2 minutes before serving this sumptuous one-pan delicacy while steaming hot.

Notes

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove most beef fat to prevent greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories while maintaining rich flavor.
• Prevent Sauce Clumping: Whisk broth gradually and consistently to create smooth, lump-free sauce with perfect consistency.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Ensure pasta is completely submerged in liquid for even cooking and optimal moisture absorption.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat when adding cream and cheese to prevent separation and achieve silky, creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 745 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg