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One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Melted cheddar cheese topping a Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Comfort Food made with elbow macaroni and seasoned ground beef.

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Make this rich and cheesy ground beef pasta entirely in one skillet for a fast, comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the skillet, stirring to submerge it in the liquid.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream.
  8. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  9. Serve immediately directly from the skillet.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cheddar and Monterey Jack with Colby Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, add a splash of milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

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