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.
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.