Description
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.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 the cheesy beef and pasta skillet hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or extra beans and vegetables in place of the ground beef or turkey.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap out cheddar cheese for other melty cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
