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.
Ingredients
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)
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