Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

When dinner needs to be fast, filling, and something everyone will actually eat, Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the answer. It fixes a common weeknight problem—too many dishes and not enough time—by cooking everything in one pan with simple ingredients and big flavor.

I’ve made this skillet more times than I can count on busy nights. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly reliable. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, the beef stays juicy, and the whole meal comes together without any fuss.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make ground beef pasta skillet step by step, plus tips, easy variations, serving ideas, and FAQs to help you get perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan dinner – Less cleanup, less stress

• Hearty and filling – Beef, pasta, and sauce in one meal

• Budget-friendly – Simple, affordable ingredients

• Family-approved – Classic flavors everyone loves

Ingredients & Prep

This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet uses everyday pantry staples.

Main Ingredients Prep

• Ground beef – 80/20 or 85/15 works best

• Short pasta (penne, rotini, shells) – Uncooked

• Onion – Diced small so it blends into the sauce

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

• Marinara sauce – Jarred or homemade

• Garlic – Minced or garlic powder

• Italian seasoning – Classic, well-balanced flavor

• Paprika – Adds warmth and color

Pantry Staples

• Beef broth or water – Helps cook the pasta

• Olive oil – For cooking

• Salt and black pepper – Adjust at the end

• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – Optional but recommended

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic

2. Measure pasta and liquid before starting

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat

Cooking Method

1. Add olive oil to the skillet

2. Brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks

3. Add onion and cook until softened

4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika

5. Pour in marinara sauce and broth

6. Add uncooked pasta and stir well

7. Bring to a gentle simmer

8. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally

Doneness or Texture Check

• Pasta should be tender, not mushy

• Sauce should be thick and coating the pasta

• Beef should be fully cooked

Resting or Final Touches

1. Remove skillet from heat

2. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top

3. Cover and let sit 3–5 minutes until cheese melts

4. Taste and adjust salt and pepper

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not stirring occasionally – Pasta can stick

• Too much liquid – Leads to soupy pasta

• Overcooking pasta – Makes it mushy

Recommended Tools

• Large deep skillet with lid

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months

• Reheat: Skillet or microwave with a splash of broth

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes

• Use spicy marinara

• Stir in a spoon of chili paste

Healthy / Special Diet Option

• Lean beef: Use 90/10 ground beef

• Whole wheat pasta: Adds fiber

• Low-carb: Use chickpea or lentil pasta

Global Flavor Twist

• Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning and cheddar

• Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta

• Garlic parmesan: Add extra garlic and parmesan

Serving Suggestions

Ground beef pasta skillet is satisfying on its own, but pairs well with:

Side Dishes

• Simple green salad

• Steamed broccoli

• Garlic bread

Toppings

• Grated parmesan

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Crushed red pepper

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Ground Beef Pasta Skillet reheats well and is great for meal prep. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it saucy.

How do I fix common mistakes?

• Too dry: Stir in extra sauce or broth

• Too watery: Simmer uncovered a few minutes

• Bland flavor: Add salt, cheese, or Italian seasoning

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the kind of recipe every home cook needs. It’s quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have. One pan, big flavor, and happy plates all around.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy a cheesy beef pasta bake or a simple hamburger helper–style skillet. Save this recipe, share it with family, and enjoy an easy, stress-free dinner tonight.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Sarah

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a fast, one-pan dinner made with juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce—all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This budget-friendly, family-approved recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and easy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
• 8 oz short pasta penne, rotini, or shells, uncooked
• 1 small onion finely diced
• Seasonings & Flavor Base
• 2 cups marinara sauce jarred or homemade
• 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Pantry Staples
• 1½ cups beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 –1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese optional but recommended

Instructions

 

• Heat a large, deep skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add olive oil.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Stir in diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine.
• Add uncooked pasta and stir well so it’s submerged in the sauce.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
• Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
• Cover and let sit 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
• If the skillet looks dry before pasta is tender, add a splash of broth.
• This recipe is easy to double for leftovers or meal prep.