A wholesome and delicious ground beef pasta skillet is an easy dinner that’s on the table in 30 minutes.
Cheesy beef pasta combines seasoned ground beef simmered in a cheesy pasta sauce with your choice of pasta for a hearty, one-skillet meal the whole family will love.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: This pasta is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with tender pasta coated in a creamy tomato and beef sauce.
- Difficulty: Nothing beats this easy one-pan recipe with simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget tip: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a budget-friendly twist, and store-brand cheese sauce works just as well.
Ingredients & Variations
Ground Beef: A combination of ground beef and pork makes the dish extra juicy. A handful of bacon bits is a tasty touch, too.
Sauce: Broth, tomatoes, and pasta sauce are the basics for this savory sauce. Make it zesty and add a little salsa or a few splashes of Tabasco. For a creamier sauce, stir in some half-and-half or heavy cream. Velveeta is the best for smooth and creamy sauces, but you can also use shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend.
Pasta: Go for medium-sized elbows, shells, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi that allow the sauce to cling to every nook and cranny.
Add-ins: Add a bag of frozen veggies, slice mushrooms, spinach, kale, or any leftover veggies on hand. Be sure they’re cut to a small enough size so a little bit gets into every delicious bite.
How To Make Ground Beef Pasta
- Cook and drain ground beef.
- Add remaining ingredients except Velveeta (full recipe below) and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Add cheese and stir until fully melted.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover ground beef pasta skillet in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little milk mixed in to loosen the sauce.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zippered bags for up to 4 weeks. Add cooked fresh pasta to the leftovers since thawed pasta won’t be as firm as fresh.
Cheesy Meaty Pasta Goes Great With…
Did you enjoy this Ground Beef Pasta Skillet? Leave a comment and rating below.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2-3 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce can) canned petite diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 ½ cups pasta sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups medium pasta shells or rotini
- 4 ounces processed cheese loaf such as Velveeta
Instructions
- Brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain fat.
- Combine cooked ground beef, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and pasta in a 12 inch skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 14-16 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Add Velveeta and stir through until fully melted.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days in covered containers. Or freeze cooled portion in airtight containers or zippered bags for up to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
I made the revised recipe and used the whole 8 oz Velveeta bar. I diced onions, removed the beef, and sautéed with the Italian seasoning until translucent. I also used garlic powder in place of onion powder. I then sprinkled a small amount of garlic salt. I used a larger can of diced tomatoes to offset the additional cheese. I stuck with low sodium beef broth.
I just made this recipe & I have to say it came out so very good my family enjoyed it they were kind of iffy about the cheese in it but it gave this meal such a great flavor, I would definitely make this again & again & again etc…… great recipe love it, ❤❤♀️♀️Dee
That is great, Dee! So happy everyone enjoyed it.