Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet
ADVERTISEMENT
Picture this: tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, a garlicky tomato sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese—all cooked together in one skillet. No boiling water, no pile of dishes, no stress.
ADVERTISEMENT
This Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet is the ultimate weeknight hero: hearty, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes using pantry staples. Think of it as hamburger helper’s gourmet cousin—made with real ingredients, real flavor, and a whole lot of love.
ADVERTISEMENT
Spaghetti night just became a no-fuss celebration.
Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces | 8 oz | Linguine or penne also work |
| Ground beef (85/15) | 1 lb | Best flavor balance |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 small | Adds sweetness |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Aromatic depth |
| Marinara sauce | 24 oz jar (or 3 cups homemade) | Rich tomato base |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | Or water + 1 tbsp bouillon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Classic flavor |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp | Gentle heat |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
| Mozzarella or cheddar, shredded | 1½ cups | Melty topping |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish | Bright finish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Add Pasta & Liquid
- Stir in broken spaghetti, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
💡 Tip: Stir often—pasta loves to stick to the bottom.
3. Add the Cheese
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover and let sit 5 minutes so the residual heat melts the cheese into a gooey layer.
4. Serve with Joy
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately—straight from the skillet for maximum comfort.
✨ Quick Tip: Break pasta to fit your skillet—spaghetti, linguine, or even penne all work beautifully.
