1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Add Pasta & Liquid
Stir in broken spaghetti, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
💡 Don’t skip stirring—pasta sticks to the bottom!
3. Add the Cheese
Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and let sit 5 minutes—the residual heat melts the cheese into a gooey, dreamy layer.
4. Serve with Joy
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately—straight from the skillet!
Tips for Skillet Success
- Use a large skillet—12-inch or bigger—to prevent boil-overs.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to absorb liquid off-heat.
- Make it creamier: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese with the cheese.
- Boost flavor: Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or a Parmesan rind to the simmer.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooked (uncheesed) for up to 3 months. Reheat and top with fresh cheese.
Delicious Variations
- Mexican-Style: Use taco seasoning + black beans + pepper jack cheese
- Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté 8 oz mushrooms with the beef + fresh thyme
- Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the broth
- Low-Carb: Swap spaghetti for 4 cups chopped zucchini or lupini noodles
- Italian Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef
Serving Suggestions
- Classic comfort: With garlic bread and a simple green salad
- Kid-friendly: Top with extra cheese and serve with apple slices
- Game day: Pair with cold beer and celery sticks
- Holiday side: Add to your Christmas buffet for a hearty option
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes! Use GF spaghetti (like Barilla or Jovial)—it may absorb liquid faster, so check at 12 minutes.
Q: Why is my pasta mushy?
A: Likely overcooked or too much liquid. Stick to 15–18 minutes and use exact broth measurements.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Skip cheese or use vegan shreds, and use veggie broth instead of beef.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Stir in 1 cup spinach or diced bell peppers with the broth.
Final Thoughts: Comfort, Simplified
Cheesy Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet isn’t just dinner—it’s a promise of ease, full bellies, and shared comfort. With its savory sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of meal that says, “You’re home,” without requiring hours in the kitchen.
So brown that beef, break that spaghetti, and simmer up a skillet that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Made this and heard the “Mmm!” chorus? I’d love to hear your twist—did you go Mexican? Add mushrooms? Share your skillet triumph in the comments below—or tag me on social. And if you know someone drowning in weeknight dinner stress, send them this recipe. You’ll be their new kitchen hero! 🍝✨🧀
