The Coziest Cheesy One-Skillet Pasta with Beef Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this cheesy one-skillet pasta with beef recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Every busy home cook seeks shortcuts that don’t compromise taste.

The sizzling combination of tender ground beef and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Hearty pasta captures rich, savory sauce in every bite.

Herbs and spices add depth to this simple yet satisfying dish.

Dinner is about to get a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this effortless culinary masterpiece.

Tips for Melty Cheese and Tender Pasta

• Caramelize onions, peppers, and mushrooms slowly to develop deep, rich taste that enhances the entire dish's complexity.
• Use wooden spoon to break ground beef into tiny, uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture distribution.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir constantly to ensure smooth integration without lumps or separation.
• Taste and adjust spices gradually, remembering Worcestershire sauce adds saltiness before adding additional salt.
• Reserve small amount of pasta cooking water to help create silky sauce if mixture appears too dry during final mixing.

Ways to Switch Up Cheesy Skillet Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of French onion soup for enhanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use low-carb cream cheese and reduce overall cheese quantity for a keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella for cheesy flavor without dairy.

Serving One-Skillet Pasta with Beef for Family Dinners

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this cheesy pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle dinner experience that keeps everyone gathered around the table.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, crispy bacon bits, or green onions on top to add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish pop.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match this rich, cheesy pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the beef and creamy cheese elements.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and freshness.

Storing Cheesy Skillet Pasta for Later

• Store leftovers in airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container. Wrap securely, label with date, and freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy dishes for best texture.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot and evenly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as substitutes for beef in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. You’ll need to use gluten-free pasta and verify that your French onion soup is gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild with a balanced flavor profile. The seasonings like paprika and black pepper add depth without significant heat. If you want more kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire skillet and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the skillet, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry, and top with fresh cheese.

Cheesy One-Skillet Pasta with Beef: Why It’s Always a Hit

• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet wonder that combines all ingredients effortlessly from start to finish.
• Indulge in a hearty, creamy pasta dish packed with rich beef, melted cheese, and savory vegetables that feels like a warm hug.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour with simple steps and minimal cooking techniques that even beginner cooks can master.

What Goes in a Cheesy One-Skillet Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this one-skillet meal.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: A classic aromatic trio that provides depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

• Pasta: The comforting carbohydrate that makes this a satisfying meal.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, stretchy cheese pull and rich flavor.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Celery Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a complex and well-rounded seasoning.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the dish.

• French Onion Soup: Serves as a flavorful liquid base that adds richness and depth to the skillet pasta.

• Butter: Provides a rich foundation for sautéing vegetables and enhancing overall flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Fast One-Skillet Meals

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients in one pan, perfect for easy cleanup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking down ground beef into fine crumbles.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure French onion soup and cheese quantities.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing onions, peppers, and cutting cream cheese into cubes.
• Cutting board: Provides safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese.

Steps to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta in One Pan

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onions, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.

Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn golden brown and develop a rich, caramelized flavor, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Splash in Worcestershire sauce and let it sizzle for 3 minutes.

Sprinkle a blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper to create a deep, complex seasoning.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it into fine, even crumbles.

Cook thoroughly until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Create Savory Liquid Base

Pour French onion soup into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

This will help marry the flavors and create a rich, cohesive sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Element

Add cubed cream cheese to the skillet.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Fold in cooked pasta and freshly chopped parsley.

Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat.

Stir in mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a beautiful, golden finish.

Step 8: Allow Resting

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Cheesy One-Skillet Pasta with Beef Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy one-skillet pasta combines ground beef and melted cheese in a quick weeknight dinner marvel. Simple ingredients create a hearty meal with minimal cleanup for hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef (90/10)
• 16 ounces (16 oz) rotini pasta
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, diced (optional)
• 1 can Campbell’s French Onion Soup (10.5 ounces)

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melt butter, and sauté diced onions, peppers, and mushrooms until caramelized and golden, approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, allowing flavors to intensify for 3 minutes. Sprinkle paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper evenly across the vegetables.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically crumbling the meat using a wooden spoon, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Pour French onion soup into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop rich, complex flavors.
5. Incorporate cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Fold in cooked pasta and freshly chopped parsley, ensuring each pasta strand is coated with the savory mixture.
7. Remove skillet from heat, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a molten cheese layer that will continue melting from residual warmth.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and cheese to set before serving.

Notes

• Select ground beef with higher fat content for richer, juicier flavor and better texture in one-skillet pasta.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization during sautéing process.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting and more authentic taste.
• Customize recipe by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg