Description
A hearty and cheesy ground beef pasta skillet that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining tender cooked pasta with flavorful seasoned ground beef, melted mozzarella, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a satisfying blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness in one skillet.
Ingredients
Cooked Pasta
2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (see NOTES)Main Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Salt to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, subtracting 1 minute from the cooking time for optimal texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta without rinsing to keep the starches for the sauce.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown. Reduce heat to medium.
- Season and Simmer: Season the beef with salt and black pepper. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, chili flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water or plain water if preferred. Stir to combine and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meat is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover with a lid to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- Leftover cooked pasta works best; if fresh, cook as per package instructions.
- Chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted for heat preference.
- You can substitute other types of pasta depending on your preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when mixing the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
