Cheesy Skillet Baked Spaghetti with Beef Sauce

It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. This Cheesy Skillet Baked Spaghetti delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You only need one pan for this entire meal.

Why You’ll Make This Again

You will love how simple this is. It is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights. The kids will ask for seconds every time. It saves you from a mountain of dishes. This meal is ready in 45 minutes from start to finish. It is reliable, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

How This Comes Together

We start by browning the beef and onions. Then, we cook the pasta right in the sauce. This one-pan method saves so much time. You don’t even need to boil water separately. Everything happens in your favorite oven-safe skillet.

What You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cups water
• 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onions are softened, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the broken spaghetti, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Preheat the oven broiler.
7. Once pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
9. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

How To Serve It

Serve this straight from the skillet for a rustic look. It looks beautiful with that melted cheese crust on top. Pair it with a simple green salad. Some warm garlic bread is also a great choice. It is perfect for a family-friendly dinner on a busy Tuesday.

Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for three days. It stays fresh and delicious in the fridge. You can also freeze this for up to two months. Reheat it in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens. This makes for a perfect meal prep lunch the next day.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Don’t skip browning the beef for deep flavor.
• Stir the pasta occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
• Use a large enough skillet to prevent spills.
• Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter version.
• Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning.
• Rest the pasta for five minutes before serving.
• Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Easy Ways To Change It Up

• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Stir in fresh spinach at the end for greens.
• Try a mix of white cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Add sliced mushrooms during the browning stage.

Quick Questions

Can I use different pasta?

Yes, you can use penne or rigatoni. You may need to adjust the water amount. Keep an eye on the cooking time.

Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet?

Yes, if you want that broiled cheese crust. If not, just melt the cheese on the stove. A cast-iron skillet works perfectly here.

I hope your family loves this one-pan dinner as much as mine does. It is proof that simple food is often the best. Enjoy your stress-free evening!

— Ethan

Cheesy Skillet Baked Spaghetti with Beef Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cups wate r
• 12 oz spaghetti , broken in half
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onions are softened, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the broken spaghetti, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Preheat the oven broiler.
7. Once pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
9. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.