Simple Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta: 1 Easy Dinner

Okay, let’s talk about getting dinner on the table when you’re just dipping your toes into the kitchen or when life just gets plain busy! If you’re looking for some seriously easy ground beef recipes for beginners, you’ve found your spot. Trust me, I remember those early days when boiling water felt like a huge accomplishment! That’s why I’m so excited about this one-pan cheesy ground beef pasta skillet. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a rockstar chef without all the fuss. No complicated steps here, just pure, simple comfort food that tastes amazing. It reminds me of the meals my own grandma used to whip up when I was a kid – simple, hearty, and made with love. You’ll see how easy it is to make something this delicious in under an hour, with hardly any cleanup!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Beginners

Seriously, why is this recipe a winner for new cooks or anyone who just wants a delicious meal FAST? Let me break it down for you:

• Minimal Cleanup: This is a HUGE one! Everything cooks in ONE pan. That means fewer dishes to wash later, which is always a win in my book.
• Uses Stuff You Probably Already Have: No need for a special grocery run. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples.
• Speedy Evenings: We’re talking about a super quick prep and cook time. You can have a hot, satisfying dinner on the table before you know it.
• Guaranteed Deliciousness: Even though it’s simple, this pasta skillet is packed with flavor. Cheesy, hearty, and comforting – it hits all the right notes every single time.
• Hard to Mess Up: I designed this so even if you’re a little unsure in the kitchen, it’s going to turn out great. It’s forgiving and oh-so-satisfying.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Alright, let’s get our little chef hats on and gather our goodies for this fantastic one-pan pasta dish. The beauty of these easy ground beef recipes for beginners is how straightforward the ingredients are. You probably have most of this hiding in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef: I usually go for 80/20 because it has just enough fat to keep things flavorful, but feel free to grab leaner if you prefer.
• 1 small onion, chopped: This little guy adds so much flavor! If onions aren’t your jam, you can totally skip this, but I think it’s worth it.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is best here for that yummy aromatic punch.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain these! The juice is all part of the magic that cooks the pasta.
• 3 cups beef broth: This is what gives our pasta that delicious savory flavor base.
• 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta, uncooked: Any small pasta shape works great here – little shells, rotini, whatever you have!
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: This is my secret shortcut to a fancy Italian flavor without all the individual herbs.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Just for a little flavor boost.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: To taste!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Or a mix! Whatever makes your cheesy heart happy.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional): Adds a nice pop of color and freshness at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Easy Ground Beef Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s much simpler than you think. These easy ground beef recipes for beginners are all about making your life easier, not harder. Grab your favorite skillet and let’s get cracking!

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, get your skillet over medium heat. Toss in that pound of ground beef and let it get nice and brown. While it’s cooking, if you’re using onion and garlic, toss those in during the last few minutes. You want the onion to start looking a little soft and the garlic to smell amazing. Once it’s all cooked up, carefully drain out any extra grease. Nobody likes a greasy pasta dish!

Combining and Simmering the Pasta

Now for the fun part! Add your can of diced tomatoes (juices and all—super important!), the beef broth, and that uncooked pasta right into the skillet with the beef. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. Crank the heat up until it starts to bubble, then turn it down to low, pop a lid on it, and let it simmer. You’re looking for about 12-15 minutes, or until that pasta is tender and most of the liquid has soaked in. Give it a stir once or twice while it’s simmering so nothing sticks.

Achieving Cheesy Perfection

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up nicely, take that skillet off the heat. This is where it goes from good to AMAZING! Stir in your shredded cheese. Keep stirring gently until it’s all melted and gooey, coating every bit of pasta. Oh, it smells so good! Taste it now, and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. This really is one of the best easy ground beef recipes out there. You can find another quick skillet meal here, but this cheesy pasta is a go-to for me!

Tips for Success with Your Beginner Ground Beef Dinner

You know, even with the simplest recipes, a little insider trick can take things from “good” to “absolutely amazing.” These easy ground beef recipes for beginners are already pretty foolproof, but here are a few things I always think about to make sure my cheesy pasta skillet turns out perfect every single time. First off, don’t skip draining the grease after browning the beef – nobody wants a greasy mouthfeel! Also, make sure you stir the pasta occasionally while it’s simmering. It seems obvious, but it really stops it from sticking to the bottom and getting clumpy. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other spices works wonders!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Ground Beef Recipes

I get it, sometimes you peek in your pantry and realize you’re missing that one specific thing. Don’t you worry one bit! These easy ground beef recipes for beginners are super forgiving. For the beef broth, if you don’t have any on hand, just use water and a bouillon cube or two – it’ll still be delicious. And the cheese! Cheddar is great, but mozzarella makes it super gooey, and a mix of both? *Chef’s kiss!* Feel free to use whatever shredded cheese you have. If you want to make this a little healthier, you can use leaner ground beef, but make sure to add a tiny splash more broth or a bit of oil to keep it from drying out. So much flexibility here!

Serving Suggestions for Your One-Pan Ground Beef Meal

Now that you’ve got this amazing cheesy ground beef pasta skillet ready to go, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Honestly, it’s a star all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple is best! A quick side salad is always a winner. Think about a simple mixed green salad with your favorite vinaigrette, or even a classic Caesar salad if you’re feeling a little fancy. A side of crusty bread for mopping up any extra cheesy sauce is also never a bad idea!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Got a question about whipping up this cheesy pasta or other beginner ground beef dinner ideas? I totally get it! Learning new recipes is all about asking questions. Here are a few things folks often wonder:

Can I use different types of pasta in this simple ground beef meal?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic here, feel free to get creative. Small pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even penne work wonders. Just make sure they’re small enough to cook through in the simmering time. You might need to adjust the cooking time a minute or two depending on the pasta shape you choose!

How can I spice up this easy skillet ground beef recipe?

If you love a little heat, you’re in luck! You can easily make this recipe your own. Add about a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning and salt. You could also stir in a dollop of your favorite hot sauce at the end, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings. Easy peasy!

What if I don’t have beef broth for this ground beef pasta easy recipe?

No beef broth? No problem at all! You can totally use chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. If you don’t have any broth at all, just use water! For a little extra flavor boost, you can dissolve a beef bouillon cube or two in the hot water. It really helps keep that savory depth.

Nutritional Information for This Simple Ground Beef Meal

Alright, now let’s talk numbers for this yummy dish. Keep in mind these are just estimates, ’cause how much cheese you stir in or what brand of pasta you use can change things a bit! But generally, here’s what you’re looking at for about one serving of our cheesy ground beef pasta skillet:

• Calories: Around 550
• Fat: About 25g (10g of that is saturated)
• Protein: A good 30g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
• Sodium: Around 900mg (this can vary a lot depending on your broth and canned tomatoes!)

This one is a hearty meal that offers a good balance of protein and carbs to keep you going!

Share Your Easy Ground Beef Recipe Experience!

So, did you give this cheesy pasta skillet a try? I’d absolutely love to hear what you thought! Did you add your own little twist? Did your family devour it? Let me know in the comments below – your feedback helps other beginner cooks feel more confident, and honestly, I just love hearing from you!

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