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Lighter Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Pasta – Easy One Pot Recipe

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta recipe with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until deeply browned. Let it sit undisturbed for the first 2 minutes for a good sear.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
  6. Add the whole wheat pasta and stir until mostly submerged in the liquid. Add another 1/4 cup broth or water if needed.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove the lid. If pasta is still firm, cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. If too much liquid remains, simmer uncovered until thickened.
  9. Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir gently until melted and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until fully melted and gooey, about 1 minute. Do not over-stir.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  12. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Let cream cheese sit out for 20 minutes before cooking to prevent lumps. If pasta seems dry before 12 minutes, add 1/4 cup broth or water. Sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. For best results, let the dish rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, ground beef skillet, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, lighter pasta, whole wheat pasta, comfort food, 30 minute meal

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/lighter-cheesy-ground-beef-skillet-pasta-easy-one-pot-recipe/