This cheesy beef and pasta skillet is a comforting, one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ground beef or turkey is simmered with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy finish that everyone will love. It’s hearty, creamy, and loaded with cheese, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef or turkey with savory seasonings, creamy cheese, and tender pasta shells. The Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add depth to the sauce, while the addition of heavy cream and cheddar cheese makes the dish decadently creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting meal for loved ones, this cheesy beef and pasta skillet is sure to satisfy.

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz small pasta shells or small elbow pasta (8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta)
½ cup heavy cream or half and half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef or chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the pasta shells. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan.
Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Serve the cheesy beef and pasta skillet hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves about 4-6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or extra beans and vegetables in place of the ground beef or turkey for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some extra heat.
Different Cheeses: Swap out cheddar cheese for other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or other greens toward the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheesy beef and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any small pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and beef mixture, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop and stir in the cream and cheese.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s not spicy by default, but if you enjoy heat, you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the recipe.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can reduce the amount of cheese and use a lighter cream or milk. You can also substitute the beef with leaner ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Use about 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them in with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.

What other sides would go well with this dish?

Serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or a cheese blend to change the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

This cheesy beef and pasta skillet is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. With its savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make in one pan, it’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with different cheeses or spices, this dish is guaranteed to please!