Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
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.
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.