Imagine tender strands of spaghetti, savory browned beef, a rich garlic-tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all cooked together in one skillet. No boiling water, no extra dishes, no stress.
This Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet is a weeknight lifesaver: hearty, creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. Think of it as the homemade, flavor-packed upgrade to boxed meals—but made with real ingredients and real love.
Let’s make spaghetti night effortless and exciting again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan, zero fuss—minimal cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes—faster than takeout
- Budget-friendly—uses pantry staples
- Naturally nut-free (verify broth label)
- Kid-approved and family-friendly
What You’ll Need
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or 3 cups homemade
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + 1 tbsp bouillon)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Pasta tip: You can use linguine, fettuccine, or penne—just break it so it fits in the skillet.
How to Make It
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain extra fat if you prefer.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add Pasta and Sauce
Mix in the broken spaghetti, marinara, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, cooking until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Add the Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
Cover for 5 minutes so the cheese melts into a soft, stretchy layer.
4. Serve
Garnish with parsley and serve straight from the skillet while hot and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Skillet Spaghetti
- Use a skillet that’s at least 12 inches wide to avoid boil-overs.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it keeps absorbing liquid as it rests.
- For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese.
- For richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire or a Parmesan rind while simmering.
- To freeze: Skip the cheese and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat and top with fresh cheese.
Easy Variations
- Mexican-Inspired: Taco seasoning + black beans + pepper jack
- Mushroom & Thyme: Add 8 oz mushrooms and fresh thyme
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Low-Carb: Use 4 cups chopped zucchini or lupini noodles
- Italian Sausage Version: Swap beef for spicy Italian sausage
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread + a simple salad
- Extra cheese for kids + apple slices
- Game-day style with celery sticks
- As a warm, comforting option on a holiday buffet
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free spaghetti works well but absorbs liquid faster. Check at the 12-minute mark.
Why is my pasta mushy?
It likely overcooked or had too much liquid. Stick to the suggested timing and measurements.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese entirely. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, peppers, zucchini, peas—add them during the simmer step.
Final Thoughts: Simple Comfort at Its Best
This Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet is more than a quick dinner—it’s comfort made convenient. With tender pasta, savory sauce, and melty cheese, it brings everyone to the table happy.
Whip up a skillet, listen for that satisfied “Mmm,” and make it your own with fun twists. If you try a variation—Mexican, mushroom, extra cheesy—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
