Name: One-Pan Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (optional); 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10); 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste; 3 cups beef broth, low sodium; 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or cavatappi); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Heat a large, deep skillet (12-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2
Reduce heat to medium. If needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste has slightly darkened.
4
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
6
Uncover and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover for a few minutes to melt the cheese, or place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden (watch carefully!).
8
Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

💡 Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can easily add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra veggies. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth if needed.

One-Pan Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet: Your Weeknight High-Protein Hero!

One-Pan Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet

📝 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

💡 Notes

🥗 Nutrition (per serving)

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