Name: Tender One-Skillet Ground Beef Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2.5 cups beef broth; 12 oz pasta, penne or rotini; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella; Fresh basil and grated parmesan, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This is my go-to one skillet ground beef pasta recipe, and it never lets me down.

This is my answer for nights I want a genuinely satisfying pasta dinner without dirtying a second pot to boil the noodles. Everything, beef, sauce, and pasta, cooks together in one skillet, and the noodles come out tender and full of flavor from simmering right in the sauce.

I make this at least twice a month because it’s exactly the kind of dinner that feels like real effort but really just needs one pan and about 30 minutes of your attention.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A few reasons this earns its regular spot in the rotation.

One skillet: minimal cleanup for a genuinely comforting dinner.
Rich, beefy flavor: the pasta soaks up the sauce as it cooks.
Weeknight friendly: ready in about 30 minutes.
Family favorite: familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Why This Works

Adding the pasta dry directly to the skillet with the broth and tomatoes, rather than boiling it separately, is what makes this dish genuinely one-skillet and lets the noodles absorb real flavor as they cook. Pasta cooked separately in plain water and stirred in later tastes noticeably blander than pasta simmered directly in a seasoned tomato broth.

Step-by-Step

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then drain excess fat.

Ground beef and onion browning in a deep skillet — Brown the beef fully and drain excess fat before adding the pasta.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and dry pasta, mixing well to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan.

Pasta simmering in beefy tomato sauce in a skillet — The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing flavor as it softens.

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently near the end to prevent sticking as the liquid reduces.

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted. Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Tips

Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid before covering and simmering.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Drain the beef fat well before adding the sauce.
Add the mozzarella off the heat, stirring gently until melted.
Use a deep skillet with a lid for the best results.

Variations

Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
Swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and provolone.

What to Serve With

Garlic bread.
A simple side salad.
Roasted vegetables.
A glass of red wine.

Storage

Refrigerator: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: freeze for up to 2 months, the pasta may soften slightly once thawed.

Reheating: reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Make Ahead

This dish reheats well, making it a solid option for meal prep, though it’s fast enough to make fresh most weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well, just make sure they’re mostly submerged in liquid before covering to simmer.

Why is my pasta sticking to the pan?

The liquid likely ran low before the pasta was fully tender, stir occasionally and add a splash more broth if needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the beef for a plant-based ground substitute and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This dish proves a genuinely comforting dinner doesn’t need much beyond one pan. Give it a try next time you want pasta night without the extra cleanup.