Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

Did you know the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet emerged from post-World War II home cooking innovations? You'll want to master this classic comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you're a busy parent or a cooking novice, this one-pan wonder promises deliciousness without complexity. The recipe combines protein-rich ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese into a satisfying dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Curious how to turn five ingredients into culinary magic?

Recipe Highlights

• A quick and easy one-pan meal combining ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, ready in approximately 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Brown ground beef thoroughly in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked pasta to create a hearty base.
• Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the cooking liquid, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor integration.
• Finish the dish by stirring in melted cheddar cheese, allowing it to blend completely and create a rich, creamy texture.
• Customize the recipe by adding optional vegetables, experimenting with different cheese varieties, and serving with complementary sides like salad or garlic bread.

History

While pasta and beef dishes have been staples in home cooking for generations, the specific cheesy ground beef pasta skillet recipe represents a quintessential mid-20th century American culinary innovation.

You'll find its roots deeply embedded in post-World War II convenience cooking, when home cooks sought quick, economical meals that could feed hungry families.

• 1950s-1960s: Processed foods like cream of mushroom soup became kitchen staples
• Rise of one-pan meals coincided with working mothers seeking efficient dinner solutions
• Popularity of affordable, protein-rich dishes drove recipe development

The skillet meal emerged from practical necessity, combining affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned soup.

Its simplicity transformed home cooking, offering a streamlined approach to creating satisfying meals that balanced nutrition, taste, and speed—a true reflection of mid-century American culinary pragmatism.

Recipe

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Using just five basic ingredients, home cooks can create a filling meal in under 30 minutes that requires minimal cleanup and provides maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups water

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully draining any excess fat. Once browned, add water and cream of mushroom soup, stirring to create a smooth mixture.

Add the uncooked pasta and bring the contents to a boil, then reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.

After the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

For best results, use block cheese that you grate yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. If the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, add small amounts of water to reach your desired consistency.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this an excellent option for meal prep or quick reheating.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by thoroughly browning the ground beef in a large skillet, ensuring it's cooked evenly and any excess fat is drained.

Next, you'll create a flavorful base by adding water and cream of mushroom soup, stirring to combine these ingredients into a rich, savory liquid.

Pour in your uncooked pasta, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta reaches that perfect tender consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 1. Brown Ground Beef Thoroughly

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles as it cooks. You'll want to spread the meat evenly across the pan's surface, allowing each piece to brown and develop rich, caramelized edges.

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to continuously break down larger chunks, aiming for consistent, pea-sized pieces that cook uniformly.

Key browning techniques:

• Cook at medium-high heat (375-400°F)
• Avoid overcrowding the pan
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking
• Listen for sizzling sounds indicating proper temperature
• Look for a deep, golden-brown color

Drain excess fat after browning to ensure a lighter, less greasy final dish. Your ground beef should be thoroughly cooked, with no pink remaining, typically taking 7-10 minutes.

Step 2. Add Water and Soup

Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and water right after draining the ground beef, creating a savory foundation for your one-skillet meal.

Stir the liquid ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they blend smoothly with the browned meat. Use a 2:1 water-to-soup ratio, measuring carefully to create the perfect cooking liquid for your pasta.

• Pour 2 cups of water directly into the skillet
• Add the full 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
• Whisk ingredients together until well combined

Watch for consistent color and texture as you blend the liquid components. The mixture should look creamy and uniform, with no distinct soup or water separation.

This base will help cook the pasta and infuse rich flavor throughout the dish, setting the stage for a deliciously easy dinner that comes together in minutes.

Step 3. Add Uncooked Pasta

The uncooked elbow macaroni represents the heart of this skillet meal, transforming the creamy beef base into a complete, satisfying dish.

Pour the entire 16-ounce package directly into the skillet, spreading the pasta evenly across the liquid surface. Let the macaroni settle naturally, ensuring each piece makes contact with the beefy, soupy mixture. You'll want to gently stir the pasta to prevent sticking, helping it absorb the flavorful liquid uniformly.

Bring the entire skillet to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, which traps steam and helps the pasta cook evenly.

During the 12-15 minute cooking process, stir occasionally to prevent clumping and ensure consistent moisture distribution. The pasta will gradually soften and expand, absorbing the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 4. Simmer Until Pasta Tender

Once you've added the pasta to the skillet and brought the mixture to a boil, you'll want to carefully manage the simmering process to ensure perfectly cooked pasta.

Reduce the heat to low, creating a gentle, consistent bubble that allows the macaroni to absorb liquid without burning. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, which traps steam and helps cook the pasta evenly.

Stir occasionally—every 3-4 minutes—to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking. Watch for visual cues: the pasta should look plump, slightly translucent, and tender when pierced with a fork.

The entire simmering process typically takes 12-15 minutes, depending on your stove's heat intensity. Aim for a creamy, slightly saucy consistency that coats each pasta strand deliciously.

Step 5. Stir in Melted Cheese

After removing the skillet from heat, you'll transform your pasta dish with a rich, melty cheese layer that elevates the entire meal.

Sprinkle the 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface, allowing the residual heat to gently melt the cheese.

Use a wooden spoon to carefully fold and stir the cheese into the beef and pasta mixture, ensuring complete and uniform distribution.

Watch for those gorgeous golden strands of melted cheese as they weave through the dish, creating irresistible pockets of gooey goodness.

Let the skillet stand for approximately 5 minutes, which allows the cheese to fully incorporate and the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid.

This resting period helps develop a more cohesive, creamy texture that makes every bite supremely satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a busy parent or a cooking novice, this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet recipe offers an effortless solution for satisfying dinner cravings.

You'll appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds. The one-pan approach minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for hectic weeknights when time is precious.

Key takeaways to remember:

• Always drain excess fat from the beef
• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
• Don't overcook the pasta – watch for tender texture
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving

With minimal effort, you've created a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Enjoy your culinary success!