One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Pasta Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavor profile even further, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if desired to introduce a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the dairy.

You can also toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking, letting it wilt into the hot pasta for an easy serving of greens.

Always reserve about a half-cup of the pasta cooking water before draining your penne. If the cheese sauce becomes too thick while tossing or sitting, a small splash of this starchy pasta water will help loosen the sauce and restore its velvety, glossy texture without diluting the rich flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno Beef Pasta: Add finely diced fresh jalapenos to the skillet while browning the beef, and use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicy kick.
• Smoky Bacon Beef Pasta: Stir in crispy crumbled bacon pieces along with the cheddar cheese to add a smoky flavor and a pleasant crunch to the creamy dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based cheese sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, stirring constantly.

Store any leftover cheesy beef and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to three to four days.

Because the sauce contains dairy, it is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream and cheese sauce will likely separate and become grainy upon thawing.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, you can easily prep the ingredients ahead of time.

Cook the pasta, grate the cheese, and chop the parsley a day in advance, storing them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, the active skillet cooking time will take less than fifteen minutes.

Serving ideas

Serve this comforting skillet dinner hot, straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the pasta, or serve it alongside roasted broccoli or garlic green beans for a complete meal.

For an extra touch of indulgence, offer additional grated parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes at the table. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for scooping up any remaining velvety cheese sauce left on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Pasta Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the final sauce from becoming greasy.
2. Continue to cook the ground beef in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meat is perfectly safe to eat and ready for the sauce.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly in a circular motion until the cheese melts completely and creates a bubbling, velvety orange sauce.
4. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the velvety cheese sauce until every noodle is thoroughly coated and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh contrast, and serve immediately while hot.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

37 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.