Dinner

Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Name: Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 cups ziti (Barilla recommended for perfect al dente bite); 1.5 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio); 1 tsp salt; 0.75 tsp pepper; 4 garlic cloves (freshly minced); 1.5 tsp red chili flakes; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins preferred); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 onion (diced); 0.5 cup fresh parsley; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella (from a block)

ByMatteo Rossi January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

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Introduction

This Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal that comes together in just about 20 minutes. Packed with savory beef, melted mozzarella, and a touch of spice, it’s an easy dish the whole family will love.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with creamy pasta made of short tube-shaped noodles, covered evenly in a light beige sauce with visible ground meat throughout. The pasta is topped with small green herb pieces scattered on top, adding pops of color. The background shows a blurred white bowl with more food and some green leafy herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.5 cups ziti
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio)
1 tsp salt
0.75 tsp pepper
4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
1.5 tsp red chili flakes
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 onion, diced
0.5 cup parsley
0.5 tsp dried oregano
2.5 cups shredded mozzarella (from a block)

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves fresh. Measure out the parsley and shred mozzarella from a block. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti, cooking it 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust. Break up the meat and cook until mostly browned, about 3-4 minutes total.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and season beef with salt and pepper. Stir in garlic, onion, and red chili flakes, cooking 1-2 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
Step 4: Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly for 1 minute to caramelize the paste and deepen flavor.
Step 5: Pour in reserved pasta water and add dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Step 6: Add cooked ziti to beef sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella until it begins to melt.
Step 7: Top with remaining mozzarella and cover the skillet. Let sit 1-2 minutes so the cheese melts from steam. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly minced garlic and shredded mozzarella from a block for better flavor and melt.
Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if preferred; just adjust cooking time slightly.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
For milder heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well without drying out.