Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Name: Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh basil, for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Family Cooking

I love whipping up this Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet when I'm short on time yet craving something hearty and delicious. It combines the satisfying chew of pasta with savory ground beef and a rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can have a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:49:07.916Z

When I first tried making this pasta skillet, I wanted something that was not only quick but also packed with flavor. The trick lies in using one pot, which allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce that clings to the pasta. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate!

What surprised me the most was how versatile this dish is. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and it still comes together in just 30 minutes. I recommend garnishing with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pot meal for easy cleanup
Savory flavors that satisfy cravings
Quick enough for busy weeknights

Perfect Pairing of Ingredients

The combination of ground beef and penne pasta creates a satisfying texture in every bite. The chewiness of the pasta against the savory richness of the beef offers a delightful contrast. This dish particularly benefits from high-quality ground beef, as the fat content adds depth to the tomato sauce. If you want a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken—just adjust the cooking time, as these meats brown faster than beef.

Diced tomatoes are a crucial element in this recipe, contributing both moisture and acidity. Make sure to choose a can marked with no added sugar for the best results. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand; just quarter about four medium-sized ones and add them to the skillet when you combine the ingredients. This adds a lovely freshness to the dish.

The Italian seasoning melds beautifully with the flavor profile of this skillet meal. Feel free to customize the herbs to suit your taste by adding fresh oregano or thyme. If you're looking for a spicier kick, toss in red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. This small addition can elevate the overall flavor and warmth of the dish, making it even more comforting.

Technique for Excellence

When cooking the pasta, be sure to salt the water generously—like the sea—to enhance the pasta's natural flavor. A quick tip is to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining it; this starchy liquid can be added back into the skillet later for a silkier sauce that's perfectly clingy to the pasta. If the final dish feels too dry, feel free to incorporate some of that reserved water to achieve your desired consistency.

As you brown the beef, ensure that it's broken down into small pieces for even cooking. If you're using lean meat, be mindful that it may cook quicker and can dry out; hence, keep an eye on the heat. Medium heat is ideal for this process, allowing the beef to brown nicely without burning. Look for a rich brown color, which indicates that it’s developed flavor.

Lastly, when combining everything in the skillet, give it a gentle toss rather than a hard stir. This helps to coat the pasta evenly without breaking it apart. Cooking on low heat after adding the pasta allows all the flavors to infuse while keeping everything at a warm serving temperature. You want to see the sauce bubbling lightly rather than boiling wildly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet:

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil, for garnish

Once you have everything, you're ready to create this delicious dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your pasta skillet:

Cook the Pasta

In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer before adding the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Divide into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in any leftover vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or carrots. They can add great flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This skillet dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the entire recipe, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. When you're ready to enjoy the left overs, simply reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.

If you want to make it ahead of time, consider cooking the beef and preparing the sauce without the pasta earlier in the day. Store the components separately and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This will maintain the pasta's texture and prevent it from becoming mushy. You can also freeze the assembled dish; just remember to leave out the cheese until you're ready to serve it after reheating.

For freezing, let the cooked pasta and beef mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming on the stove, or you can microwave it from frozen; just expect a longer heating time.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, try serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a vinaigrette. This can help balance the richness of the beef. A light, refreshing salad adds a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the pasta wonderfully. You could even add some cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, or arugula to the salad for some extra color and flavor.

For a bit of extra creaminess, consider adding a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of heavy cream when you serve the pasta. This can give a luxurious touch to the dish, making it feel more indulgent while still being simple to prepare. Just fold it in gently to avoid breaking the pasta too much.

Lastly, don't forget garnishing with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Not only do they add a beautiful touch of color, but they also enhance the flavor profile significantly, bringing all the elements of the dish together. Sprinkle the cheese just before serving for a melty finish that makes each bowl feel special.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works perfectly and adds more fiber to the dish.

→ What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute chicken broth or even water, but broth will enhance the flavor.

→ How can I make this recipe lighter?

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and reduce the amount of cheese.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It tastes great even the next day.