Imagine a dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor - sounds too good to be true, right? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking with this mouthwatering One Pan Cheesy Beef Tomato Pasta Skillet that will have your family begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired dish combines the rich, hearty taste of ground beef, the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, and the irresistible pull of melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until it's completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor. Return the skillet to the heat.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness - it should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If pasta is still firm, add a little more broth and continue cooking.
- Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it's completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't skip draining the excess beef fat, but leave a small amount for added flavor.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a little extra beef broth to keep it moist.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced onions when browning the beef.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh taste.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 405kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
