Description
A hearty, one-skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes for the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion until no pink remains (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in uncooked pasta, beef broth, water, tomato sauce, and all seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For spicier flavor: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with seasonings.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for 2 minutes for a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg