Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet turns cooked ziti, browned beef, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and mozzarella into a satisfying one-pan finish. Reserved pasta water links the meat and pasta while a covered final step melts the cheese over everything.
This recipe serves 4 and takes 10 minutes to prepare plus 15 minutes to cook, for a 25-minute total. The timing works best when the pasta pot and beef skillet are managed together.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Ingredients
Gather 2 cups cooked ziti pasta, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, and 1 chopped onion. The flavorings are 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes if desired, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish, and salt to taste.
Measure 2 cups shredded mozzarella. The method uses that cheese in two equal additions: 1 cup stirred in with the pasta and the remaining 1 cup placed on top to melt under the lid.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Texas Toast Sloppy Joes.
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Cook the pasta according to its package directions for al dente, but stop 1 minute early.
- Before draining, reserve exactly 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain the ziti without rinsing it.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon while browning for about 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add garlic, onion, optional chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water or plain water.
- Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, until the meat is tender and the mixture has come together.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella, cover, and let it melt. Garnish with additional parsley and serve.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Cook the Ziti One Minute Short
Brown the Beef over High Heat
Use the Stated Salt and Pepper in the Skillet
Build Flavor before Adding Pasta
Simmer for Eight to Ten Minutes
Divide the Mozzarella into Two Cups
Cover Only to Melt the Topping
Keep This a Fast One-Skillet Finish
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
What Makes the Timing Work
Conclusion
Cook ziti to al dente minus 1 minute, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, and drain without rinsing. Brown 1 pound beef in olive oil over high heat for about 2 minutes, reduce to medium, season, add the aromatics and sauces, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes. Toss in pasta and 1 cup mozzarella, top with the remaining cup, cover to melt, and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many people does this skillet serve?
The recipe serves 4 and has a total time of 25 minutes.
- → Should I rinse the cooked ziti?
No. Drain it without rinsing so its surface starch helps the beef mixture and cheese cling.
- → How is the mozzarella divided?
Stir 1 cup into the pasta, then spread the remaining 1 cup on top and cover the skillet to melt it.
- → Are crushed red chili flakes required?
No. The recipe lists 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes as optional.