One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet (Cozy, Cheesy, Family Love)

The Story & Intro

Hi 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

On busy weeknights, when the day feels long and my heart wants comfort more than complexity, I reach for my One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet. I learned early in my American kitchen that one-pan meals save not only time but also sanity. This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet brings me the same warmth I felt in my mother’s Paris apartment, where the smell of bubbling cheese meant dinner was almost ready and everyone would soon gather around the table.

I make this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet when I want dinner to feel like a hug. I make it when friends stop by unannounced, when kids feel hungry right now, and when I want to prove that comfort food does not need fancy steps. This recipe stays close to my heart because it turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying, melty, and unforgettable.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet because it meets me where I am. I do not need a sink full of dishes or a complicated plan. I need one pan, a wooden spoon, and a little patience while the cheese melts just right.

I love how the ground beef sizzles and fills the kitchen with that savory aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “Is dinner ready?” I love how the pasta soaks up all the flavor, and how the cheese brings everything together in a creamy, stretchy finish that feels indulgent but familiar.

Most of all, I love how this dish brings people together. I serve it straight from the skillet, place it in the center of the table, and watch everyone dig in. That moment reminds me why I cook.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I keep the ingredients simple because good food does not need to be complicated.

I always choose ground beef with a little fat because flavor matters. I use onion and garlic to build a cozy base. I add pasta because it makes the dish filling and comforting. I use beef broth instead of water because it deepens the taste. And of course, I never skip the cheese.

My little secret is letting the cheese melt slowly with the heat turned low. Rushing the cheese ruins the texture. I also season in layers so every bite tastes just right.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start by heating my skillet and browning the ground beef until it smells rich and savory. I add onion and garlic and let them soften until sweet and fragrant. I stir in the seasoning and tomato paste, letting everything toast gently.

Next, I add the pasta and broth and let it simmer right in the same pan. The pasta absorbs all that beefy goodness while cooking perfectly al dente. Once the liquid reduces and the pasta turns tender, I lower the heat and add the cheese.

I stir slowly, watching it melt into a creamy, irresistible sauce. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve immediately while everything stays warm and gooey.

How I Serve It at Home

At home, I serve my One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet straight from the pan. I place it in the center of the table with a simple green salad and maybe some warm bread. I love how casual and inviting it feels.

Sometimes I top it with extra cheese or a spoon of sour cream. Other nights, I add a little chili flake for heat. This dish adapts to moods and moments.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or milk and warm it gently on the stove. I avoid the microwave when I can because slow reheating keeps the cheese creamy.

I sometimes prep the ingredients ahead of time, chopping onion and garlic earlier in the day. That little step makes dinner even easier.

100-Word Short Version

This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet delivers pure comfort with minimal effort. I brown ground beef, build flavor with onion and garlic, cook pasta directly in the pan, and finish with plenty of melty cheese. Everything comes together in one skillet for a cozy, family-friendly meal that saves time and dishes. I love serving it straight from the pan while it’s warm and gooey. This recipe works perfectly for busy nights, unexpected guests, and anyone craving cheesy, satisfying comfort food.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
  2. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add pasta and beef broth and simmer until pasta is tender.
  5. Lower heat, add cheese, and stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

📝 Notes
Cook gently once the cheese is added to avoid separation.

🍽️ Nutrition
Comforting, hearty, and satisfying with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness 🧀🍝

Print
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One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet

One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet


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  • Author: Lacamorea
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This one-pan cheesy ground beef skillet is my go-to comfort dinner when I want something cozy, quick, and deeply satisfying. Everything cooks in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add uncooked pasta and beef broth, then simmer until the pasta is tender.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the cheeses until melted and creamy.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Conclusion

Every time I make this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet, I feel grounded. I feel connected to my roots, my family, and the simple joy of feeding people I love. This dish reminds me that food does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. It just needs heart.

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