Growing up in the Mediterranean, pasta was never considered “fancy restaurant food.” It was everyday food.
This is the meal you’d throw together after a long day when everyone was hungry and nobody wanted to wait an hour for dinner.
And honestly, these are still the recipes I make the most today.
This ground beef pasta skillet is one of those easy comfort meals that always works. You’ve got tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese on top. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and barely any cleanup afterward.
What I really like about this recipe is that it feels filling without being complicated. No layering. No stuffing pasta shells one by one. No pile of dishes in the sink afterward. Just a hearty skillet dinner that comes together fast and tastes even better the next day.
It’s also the kind of meal that stretches well for families. A little pasta, a little ground beef, some sauce, and cheese can feed quite a few people without spending a fortune. That’s probably why recipes like this have stayed popular for generations.
Serve it with garlic bread, a simple salad, or just eat it straight from the skillet like we usually do around here. Either way, this cheesy ground beef pasta is the kind of dinner nobody complains about.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and mix until fully coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes if you don’t want to use the broiler.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni all work well in this recipe. Just cook the pasta until al dente before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the pasta and beef sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, then add the cheese and reheat before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Let the pasta cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What other cheese can I use?
Cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend all work great in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are all good additions.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used for a lighter version.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
No. If your skillet is not oven-safe, simply transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair perfectly with this cheesy pasta skillet.