There’s something about a skillet dinner that just makes weeknights easier. My Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet hits that sweet spot where comfort food meets quick cooking. It’s hearty, saucy, and ready in about 30 minutes.
I first made this dish one busy Tuesday when the fridge held nothing but a pound of ground beef, a box of pasta, and a basket of cherry tomatoes from the farmer’s market. The result surprised me. Those juicy tomatoes burst in the pan, coating every pasta shell with a light, rich sauce that didn’t even need hours on the stove. Since then, it’s become one of my family’s most-requested dinners.
If you love hearty one-pan dinners, you might also enjoy this smoky skillet with beef and sweet potatoes. It’s another quick meal that proves comfort doesn’t have to take all night.
Table of Contents
Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing spoon
- pasta pot
- measuring cups and spoons
- colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 onion, diced
- 2–3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25–0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain. Set pasta aside with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sauté onion until soft, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and seasoning. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, releasing their juices.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add pasta and toss until coated. Simmer 2 minutes to absorb flavor. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente. The pasta will continue to soften slightly once tossed with the sauce.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness balances the savory beef flavor beautifully.
- Don’t skip pasta water. The starch helps emulsify and bind the sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add up to ½ cup more heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of ricotta at the end.
- Make it lighter. Swap heavy cream for a splash of milk or extra broth.
- Add greens. Spinach, kale, or even finely chopped zucchini blend well without overpowering the flavor.
- Meal prep tip. Cook pasta and brown beef ahead of time. Combine everything fresh when reheating for best texture.
- Storage. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer (without pasta) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tip. Warm over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Serving idea. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving for that restaurant-style finish.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 525 kcal | Ideal for a balanced family dinner |
| Protein | 28 g | From lean ground beef and cheese |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g | Mainly from pasta |
| Total Fat | 24 g | Includes healthy olive oil fats |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g | From Parmesan and cream |
| Fiber | 3 g | Can increase with added spinach |
| Sugar | 4 g | From cherry tomatoes |
| Cholesterol | 82 mg | Moderate amount per portion |
| Sodium | 424 mg | Adjust salt based on broth type |
| Potassium | 650 mg | Excellent for post-meal balance |
| Vitamin A | 1490 IU | From tomatoes and spinach |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg | From fresh cherry tomatoes |
| Calcium | 170 mg | From Parmesan |
| Iron | 3 mg | From beef and pasta |
Building the Flavor Base for a Perfect Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet
Every great skillet meal starts with the right foundation. The secret to a rich and balanced Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet lies in layering flavors early. When each ingredient plays its part, the sauce develops naturally without long simmering or complicated steps.
Start simple, use what you have, and let the pan do the work.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe shine:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean (about 90%) for flavor without extra grease.
- Pasta: Short shapes such as shells, penne, or fusilli hold the sauce best.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and halved, they burst into sweet, tangy sauce as they cook.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps brown the meat evenly.
- Onion & Garlic: Create the savory backbone of the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and a subtle roasted note that ties the sauce together.
- Italian Seasoning: Balances herbs like oregano and basil for authentic flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper: A small pinch gives gentle heat—optional but worth it.
- Baby Spinach (optional): Adds color and a fresh finish right before serving.
- Heavy Cream or Reserved Pasta Water: Helps the sauce coat every piece of pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with nutty saltiness.
Smart Ingredient Tips
- Use seasonal tomatoes. Fresh cherry tomatoes make the biggest difference in taste and color.
- Don’t skip pasta water. Its starch gives the sauce a silky texture that clings beautifully.
- Add vegetables if you like. Zucchini, mushrooms, or kale all blend smoothly with the beef.
- For a creamier result, see how I do it in this easy skillet beef pasta with a velvety finish—it’s the same method used here, just lighter.
Quick Pantry Substitutions
- No cherry tomatoes? Use diced Roma or grape tomatoes.
- Out of beef broth? Replace with vegetable broth or a splash of starchy pasta water.
- Avoiding dairy? Skip the cream and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.
These simple swaps mean your Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet always fits what’s already in your kitchen.
How to Cook Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet the Easy Way
Cooking this Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet is all about timing. Every step builds flavor while keeping things simple enough for a weeknight. You’ll need one deep skillet, a pot for pasta, and about half an hour from start to finish.
Follow these easy steps to get that saucy, hearty skillet dinner that feels homemade and comforting every time.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions.
- Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water and set it aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat to keep the sauce balanced.
If you enjoy classic comfort flavors, this method is similar to my homemade beef skillet dinner that tastes like the boxed favorite — simple, hearty, and family-approved.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the beef. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them soften for about 5 minutes until they release their juices.
- Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for balance.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–6 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
- Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, then pour in heavy cream or an extra splash of broth if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice to preference.
For another beef dinner with bold flavor, try this skillet-style recipe packed with peppers and cheese — it uses the same technique for quick stovetop flavor.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated evenly with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Stir in spinach or herbs right before removing from the heat for freshness.
- The sauce should be creamy and cling to every shell.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Top with more Parmesan and chopped basil.
- Serve directly from the skillet while it’s still bubbling.
- Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Every time you make this Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet, the sauce gets richer, the beef more tender, and those cherry tomatoes sweeter. It’s quick comfort food that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Serving, Variations, and Storing Your Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet
The best part about this Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet is how adaptable it is. You can serve it right from the pan, dress it up with herbs and cheese, or tweak it to fit any craving.
Serving Suggestions
- Family-style: Bring the skillet straight to the table for a warm, rustic look.
- Add toppings: Try fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a spoon of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Pair it right: Serve with a green salad or crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- For meal prep: Portion leftovers into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
If you like cozy, creamy comfort food, check out my cheesy taco-inspired soup — it’s just as quick and loaded with flavor.
Recipe Variations
Here’s how to adjust the recipe to your taste or dietary needs:
- Lighter version: Skip the cream and add extra pasta water for a thinner sauce.
- More vegetables: Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrition.
- Protein swaps: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner skillet.
- Spice lovers: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for heat.
- No-tomato option: Use sautéed bell peppers and garlic for a similar texture and brightness.
You can also explore a comforting spin like this homestyle dumpling skillet dinner for a cozy winter alternative.
Storage and Reheating
This Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for busy weeks.
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the beef mixture (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before adding cooked pasta.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
The flavor actually deepens after a day, making this one of those recipes that’s even better the next time around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cherry tomatoes good for pasta?
Yes. Their natural sweetness and thin skins make them perfect for quick sauces. When cooked, they burst and coat pasta with bright, fresh flavor.
When should I add cherry tomatoes to the skillet?
Add them after browning the beef and softening the onions. Cooking them for about five minutes lets them release their juices while keeping their shape.
What meat pairs best with tomato pasta?
Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage also work well. It depends on your taste and dietary goals.
Do I add tomato sauce before or after cooking the beef?
Always add tomato sauce or tomatoes after browning the beef. This helps the sauce soak up the flavor from the seared meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Simply skip the cream and Parmesan cheese. Use a bit more olive oil or pasta water to keep the sauce silky.
Are there downsides to eating cherry tomatoes?
Only if you’re sensitive to acidity. Choose ripe tomatoes for balanced flavor and store them at room temperature, not in the fridge, to keep them sweet.
This Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet is everything a weeknight dinner should be — quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. You’ll love how the cherry tomatoes burst into a fresh, vibrant sauce that wraps every bite of pasta in rich, savory flavor.
The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup as easy as dinner itself. Whether it’s your first time trying a skillet pasta or you’re already a fan of one-pot meals, this recipe will find a permanent spot on your weeknight rotation.
Gather your ingredients, heat the skillet, and get ready to serve a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone to the table.