Easy Pasta Skillet
A hearty and cheesy pasta skillet with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add 5 cups of water to the skillet and bring to a boil; then add the mostaccioli pasta.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium; simmer for 15 minutes until pasta is cooked and water is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese; cook until cheese melts and sauce is heated through.
- Before serving, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and top with parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or garlic powder when browning the beef. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for lentils or a meat substitute and use a vegetable-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Pasta Skillet with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Tammy'S Stuffed Shells or Delicious Meat Lasagna. For a delightful twist, top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pasta Skillet contains roughly 1250 calories, with 85g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (169% of the Daily Value), calcium (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2867mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different types of pasta may require different boiling times.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. You can also choose a spicier spaghetti sauce or add hot sauce to taste for an extra layer of heat.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Additionally, use a vegetable-based spaghetti sauce to keep it completely meat-free while still maintaining great flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).