One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet – Cozy, Easy, and So Satisfying

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet feels like one of those recipes you don’t plan but end up loving forever. I remember evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen when dinner came together quickly, yet the house smelled rich and comforting. She always told me that simple food feeds the heart just as much as the body.

This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet fits perfectly into that philosophy. Life feels busy, kitchens get messy, and energy runs low, but dinner still deserves warmth and care. I learned early that one-pan meals create space for conversation, laughter, and memories. That’s why this dish stays close to my heart.

I love how this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet brings women together around the table. It’s forgiving, flexible, and deeply satisfying. You don’t need fancy tools or long prep time. You just need a pan, a few ingredients, and the joy of cooking something comforting. This recipe turns an ordinary night into something special, and that’s what cooking at home is all about.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The pan warms quickly, and that first sizzle always excites me.

Add the ground beef and cook it until browned. Use a spoon to break it apart so it cooks evenly. The beef releases rich aromas that instantly fill the kitchen.

Stir in the chopped onion and let it soften. The onion turns slightly golden and sweet, blending beautifully with the beef.

Add garlic and bell pepper next. Stir gently and let everything cook until fragrant and tender.

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir slowly so the sauce coats every bite.

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer. This moment allows all the flavors to come together into something cozy and familiar.

Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt until gooey and irresistible.

Remove from heat and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet works beautifully with crusty bread that soaks up every bit of sauce. I also love serving it over rice or spooned onto creamy mashed potatoes. For lighter nights, a simple green salad balances the richness perfectly.

You can also use leftovers to fill wraps, stuff bell peppers, or top baked potatoes. This dish adapts to your needs and always delivers comfort.

⏱️ Time

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
• 🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
• ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and bell pepper.
5. Add tomato sauce and seasonings.
6. Simmer gently for a few minutes.
7. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
8. Cover and melt the cheese.
9. Garnish and serve warm.

📝 Notes

• Drain excess fat if needed before adding sauce.
• Swap cheeses based on what you have.
• Add chili flakes if you like heat.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

🍽️ Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 34g

TASTY RECIPE CARD – CODE

One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet – Cozy, Easy, and So Satisfying

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• Author: INAYA
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet delivers big comfort with minimal effort. You brown seasoned ground beef, simmer it with peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, then melt cheddar and mozzarella right on top for a bubbly, gooey finish. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and perfect when you want a hearty dinner without a sink full of dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil




• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)




• 1 small yellow onion, diced




• 2 cloves garlic, minced




• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)




• 1 cup tomato sauce




• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)




• 1 teaspoon paprika




• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning




• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)




• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper




• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)




• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese




• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

• Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

• Stir in garlic and bell pepper, then cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.

• Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste (if using).

• Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).

• Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

• Cover the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

 

• Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Drain excess grease after browning if needed, especially with 80/20 beef.

• Swap cheeses as you like (Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend work well).

• Add veggies easily (corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach).

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximate, per serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s simple, comforting, and made to be shared. Whether you cook for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings warmth to the table. Cooking doesn’t need perfection it needs heart. And this recipe has plenty of it. 💛