Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta

This cheesy ground beef and pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food that will bring your family together around the table. Imagine tender pasta tossed in a rich, savory tomato sauce, infused with perfectly browned ground beef and a blend of melted cheeses that create irresistible gooeyness in every bite.

Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and deeply flavorful. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• Pasta (350–400 g): Choose elbow, penne, or your favorite shape, cooked al dente for ideal firm texture.
• Ground beef (500 g): Provides rich savory flavor and hearty protein to make this dish filling and satisfying.
• Small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
• Garlic cloves (2–3), minced: Imparts aromatic warmth and enhances the savory notes in the sauce.
• Tomato sauce (1 can, 400 g): Forms the rich base of the sauce with vibrant acidity and natural sweetness.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs like oregano and basil to bring Mediterranean flavors into the dish.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Shredded cheese (1–1½ cups): Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, melted for creamy, gooey texture throughout.
• Olive oil (2–3 tbsp): Used for browning beef and sautéing aromatics, adding a fruity richness.
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil: Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your preferred pasta shape. Cooking until al dente means the pasta will be firm to the bite, ensuring it holds up perfectly when combined with the sauce. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking while preparing the beef mixture.

Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cooking until browned develops deep umami flavors and adds texture. Use a spoon to break up the meat evenly so it cooks thoroughly. If excess fat renders out, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Add Aromatics

To the browned beef, add finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, which builds a savory flavor base. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not burnt, releasing its aromatic oils that enhance the sauce.

Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture. Simmering for 5 to 7 minutes blends the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing acidity and bringing out the rich, savory notes.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss thoroughly so every piece is well coated, ensuring balanced bites filled with savory sauce and tender pasta, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the pasta and sauce. Cover the skillet to allow residual heat to melt the cheese thoroughly. For a bubbly golden top, briefly place under a broiler. This step delivers the indulgent gooey texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Serve

Plate the cheesy ground beef pasta warm and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. This simple garnish brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely herbal note to each serving.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, shells, or rigatoni work well and provide interesting textures that complement the sauce.

What cheese blends work best for this dish?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar offers excellent meltability and rich flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or gouda for variation.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine before serving. Reheat gently to melt the cheese and blend flavors.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen without cheese on top. Reheat fully before adding cheese to maintain texture and flavor.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

This savory ground beef pasta combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese for a comforting weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course dinner, pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 5 people

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot for boiling pasta
• 1 large skillet for cooking beef and sauce
• 1 colander for draining pasta

Ingredients

  

• 12 to 14 oz pasta elbows, penne, or preferred
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
• 14 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and cover. Let sit a few minutes or briefly broil until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

• Swap pasta shapes like rotini or shells for texture variety.
• Use a cheese blend for better melt and flavor.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for nutrients.
• Substitute sausage or ground turkey for different protein options.