Name: Cheesy Beef & Veggie Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well); 1/2 lb ground beef; 1 cup bell pepper, diced; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme); 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cheesy Beef & Veggie Pasta Skillet

GardenBasil3467

This Cheesy Beef & Veggie Pasta Skillet brings together the best of both American and Italian comfort food—savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a medley of colorful veggies, all enrobed in melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The quick stovetop-to-broiler method delivers a satisfying, bubbly finish without heating up the kitchen for too long. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish balances hearty protein with fresh summer produce and comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to please everyone at the table, and it’s endlessly flexible based on what veggies you have on hand!

Ingredients

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove beef to a plate and drain excess grease if needed.
In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add zucchini and cook another 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cherry tomatoes; cook until fragrant and tomatoes begin to burst, about 2 minutes.
Return the beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and lower heat, letting cheese melt (or broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish).
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.