Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A quick and hearty one-pan dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

Callie Morgan

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-24T13:33:30.407Z

This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan meal for easy cleanup
  • Rich flavors and satisfying texture
  • Quick to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When you're juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can be challenging. This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is designed with busy weeknights in mind. It combines hearty ingredients into a single dish, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. With just one pan to clean, it simplifies dinner time without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the pasta or add your favorite vegetables, making it a great option for utilizing whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just looking for a cozy meal for yourself, this dish can adapt to your needs, ensuring that dinner is always delightful.

Savory and Satisfying Flavors

The combination of ground beef and pasta creates a beautifully textured dish that is both filling and flavorful. The savory notes from the beef, combined with the freshness of diced tomatoes and the aromatic garlic and onion, bring a rich depth to the meal. Italian seasoning ties everything together, adding warmth and a hint of herbaceousness that elevates the dish.

One of the best parts about this Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is how easily it can be customized. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a gooey topping or feta for a tangy twist. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a favorite among home cooks looking to put their own spin on a classic dish.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Ground Beef Pasta Skillet turns out perfectly every time, choose high-quality ground beef with a good fat content. This will enhance the flavor and create a richer sauce. Additionally, don’t be afraid to season your dish generously. Salt and pepper can make a significant difference in elevating the overall taste, so taste as you go.

Another tip is to monitor the pasta while it’s cooking. Different types of pasta have varying cooking times, so check for doneness a couple of minutes before the package instructions suggest. This way, you can avoid overcooking it and ensure that your dish has the perfect texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil.

Cook the Pasta

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious ground beef pasta skillet!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet meal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider serving a fresh green salad on the side. A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta skillet perfectly. You could also add some crusty bread for a satisfying crunch and to soak up any delicious juices left on your plate.

For beverage pairings, a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or a light lager can enhance the flavors of the ground beef and tomatoes. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is refreshing and invigorating alongside this hearty dish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well for this recipe.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A quick and hearty one-pan dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Callie Morgan

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  3. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  4. 1 cup beef broth
  5. 1 small onion, chopped
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and pasta. Bring to a boil.

Step 04

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g