Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy recipe is a quick and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef with gooey melted cheese, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

Quinn Harper

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:13:05.167Z

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of beef and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich, cheesy goodness in every bite
  • Quick and easy one-pan meal for busy nights
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners

A One-Pan Wonder

One of the best aspects of the Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy recipe is its simplicity. With everything cooked in a single skillet, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleanup. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully as they cook together, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will love.

This recipe is not only convenient but also versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family's preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, if someone doesn’t like bell peppers, feel free to swap them for zucchini or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless, making it a fantastic base recipe that can be customized to your liking!

Perfect for Family Dinners

When it comes to family dinners, the Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy recipe hits all the right notes. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with protein, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Kids especially love the gooey melted cheese, which adds a fun and appealing element to the meal. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread, and you have a complete dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Moreover, this dish is a great way to get your family involved in cooking. Older children can help with tasks like stirring the ingredients or measuring out the spices. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them about cooking while enjoying quality time together in the kitchen. The result? A delicious meal and cherished family memories.

Make It Your Own

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to personalize recipes based on your taste. The Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy is no exception. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of heat. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, to boost the nutritional value and add more color to your dish.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can even transform this dish into a Tex-Mex delight by incorporating taco seasoning and serving it with tortilla chips. The adaptability of this recipe means you can enjoy it in various ways, keeping your meals exciting and fresh!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked pasta
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Mix in Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine with Pasta and Cheese

Stir in the cooked pasta and sour cream, mixing well. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover until the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

Once the cheese is melted, your dish is ready to serve!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers after making this delicious Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy, you're in luck! This dish stores well and can be enjoyed the next day. Simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the dish. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy, consider serving it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish, while steamed veggies add a nutritious touch. You could also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness.

For a fun twist, serve the skillet cheesy in taco shells or over rice for a different take. You could even set up a toppings bar with options like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, allowing everyone to customize their portions to their liking. These simple additions can turn a one-pan meal into a festive feast!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter dish.

→ What kind of cheese can I use?

You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy

This Ground Beef Skillet Cheesy recipe is a quick and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef with gooey melted cheese, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Quinn Harper

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  7. 1 tsp paprika
  8. 1 tsp salt
  9. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  10. 2 cups cooked pasta
  11. 1/2 cup sour cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the cooked pasta and sour cream, mixing well. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover until the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g