Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total: 30 mins
Serves: 4 | Best for: busy weeknights + one-pan cleanup
When you need a fast dinner that feels comforting and filling, this cheesy ground beef skillet dinner is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Everything cooks in one pan, the flavors are simple but bold, and the cheese pulls it all together into a cozy, family-friendly meal.
This recipe is also perfect when you don’t want to overthink dinner. Brown the beef, build a quick sauce, cook the pasta right in the skillet, then melt the cheese. That’s it. It’s warm, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients.
If you’re planning dinners for the week, check my Best Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners hub for more quick ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner
- One pan, easy cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Cheesy, comforting, and filling
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb (450–500 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini, shells, elbows)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese (choose your combo)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (best flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
Optional add-ins: baby spinach, frozen peas, diced bell pepper, chili flakes.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner
1) Brown the ground beef
Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning is where the flavor starts.
If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain most of it (leave a little for taste).
2) Add onion and garlic
Add the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3) Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to wake up the spices. Pour in the broth and the marinara sauce, then stir well.
4) Cook the pasta in the skillet
Add the pasta directly to the pan. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes (stir once or twice) until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
If the pan looks dry before the pasta is cooked, add a small splash of broth or water.
5) Add the cheese
Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the cheddar until creamy, then sprinkle the rest on top (plus mozzarella if using). Cover for 2 minutes so the cheese melts.
Let it sit 2–3 minutes before serving. It thickens as it rests.
What to Serve With It
This skillet dinner is rich, so simple sides work best:
- A simple green salad
- Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
- If you loved this kind of quick dinner, try my Ground Beef Tacos (Easy Weeknight Dinner) next.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Skillet
- Use short pasta so it cooks evenly in the pan.
- Keep the simmer gentle; boiling too hard can make pasta sticky.
- Shred your own cheese if possible (it melts smoother).
- Taste at the end and adjust salt (broths vary).
- Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or a small spoon of hot sauce.
- If you want lighter dinner ideas too, browse my Best Ground Chicken Recipes You’ll Love (Easy & Flavorful).
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one.
To freeze, let it cool fully, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Add a trusted food-safety reference here.
Food safety storage see FoodSafety.gov
FAQ
Can I make this skillet dinner without pasta?
Yes. Use cooked rice instead, but add it at the end (don’t simmer dry rice in the sauce).
What cheese works best?
Cheddar gives the best flavor. Mozzarella adds extra melt. A mix of both is perfect.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, peas, bell pepper, or zucchini work well. Add them when the pasta is almost done.