Italian Beef Pasta Skillet

This Italian Beef Pasta Skillet is a simple, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef, pasta, and cheese come together in a rich tomato sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes. The combination of savory beef, bell peppers, and melted mozzarella will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Beef Pasta Skillet combines all your favorite Italian flavors in one easy dish. The rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella cheese make for a comforting and filling meal. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup with just one pan, and delivers a deliciously satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it to your family or looking for a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef, lean

• ½ medium onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup macaroni noodles, uncooked

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• ¼ cup Tastefully Simple® Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix

• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

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

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and return the pan to the stovetop.

2. Add in the tomato sauce, noodles, tomato paste, garlic salt, beef broth, and Marinara Sauce Mix. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Stir the mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover again and let the cheese melt.

4. Once the cheese is melted, serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

• Different Pasta: Use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, in place of macaroni.

• Cheese Swap: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a deeper, more complex cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pasta skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If it seems too dry after refrigerating, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance (chop the veggies, brown the beef) to save time on busy nights.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or rotini will work in place of macaroni.

4. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or even a spoonful of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils, beans, or plant-based crumbles for a hearty vegetarian version.

6. Can I use another brand of marinara sauce mix?

Yes, you can substitute any marinara seasoning mix or homemade marinara seasoning if you don’t have Tastefully Simple® Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.

7. Can I freeze this pasta skillet?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Make sure to check the pasta after 15 minutes of simmering. If it’s tender, remove the skillet from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

9. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

10. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?

Yes, you can use 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic instead of garlic salt. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

This Italian Beef Pasta Skillet is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese in a rich tomato sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re feeding your family or serving a crowd, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

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