Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Cheesy Beef Pasta is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to snuggle up with a big bowl and savor every creamy, melty bite. With a combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, a punchy tomato cream sauce, and a blanket of gooey cheddar and mozzarella, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a family favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a hearty weekend dinner, Cheesy Beef Pasta never fails to please—both for its irresistible flavors and its crowd-pleasing, no-fuss prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe celebrates simplicity, using everyday staples that come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays an important role—layering flavor, boosting creaminess, and giving this pasta its gorgeous color and irresistible texture.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes are ideal for soaking up sauce and holding onto all that cheesy beef goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty foundation of the dish, delivering rich, meaty flavor and classic comfort.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic to golden perfection.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a subtle sweetness and depth right from the start.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavors you’ll notice in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a vibrant, herby note that ties the whole sauce together.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful hint of color to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right edge and balances the creamy elements.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Lends the pasta its signature tangy sauciness and richness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Deepens the savory notes and keeps the sauce lusciously loose.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings pure creaminess that softens and enriches the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for that sharp, satisfyingly gooey cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stringy, stretchy cheese-pull goodness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Brings a bright, fresh finish and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your favorite pasta shape—penne or rotini are rockstars here—just until it’s al dente. This gives the pasta the perfect chewiness, which pairs beautifully with that luscious cheese sauce later on. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside to await its starring role.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up a generous tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook, stirring, until it turns golden and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic next, letting it sizzle and become fragrant for just 1 minute—it’s a small touch that packs a punch of flavor!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Now, crumble in your ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, making sure all those meaty bits turn browned and delicious. If there’s a bit of extra fat collecting in the pan, feel free to drain it off so your Cheesy Beef Pasta isn’t too greasy.
Step 4: Add Spices and Simmer
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and a bit of black pepper. Give everything a good mix so the beef gets coated in those aromatic spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then bring the skillet to a calm, bubbling simmer. This step is where the sauce starts to come alive!
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Reduce your heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, for a sauce that’s rich, velvety, and has just the right balance between tomato tang and creamy decadence. The transformation is instant—you’ll love how the sauce thickens up and becomes a gorgeous rosy color.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet of sauce, turning it gently so every piece is glossy and coated. Now sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until they melt into the sauce and create that iconic creamy cheese pull. Let everything simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, melding flavors for the most irresistible Cheesy Beef Pasta.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and, if you like, top everything with a burst of fresh chopped parsley. It brings color and a touch of brightness against all that wonderful richness.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic, but don’t stop there! Try shaving a bit of extra cheddar or mozzarella on top for even more cheesiness, or add a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A drizzle of olive oil can also give your Cheesy Beef Pasta extra shine and depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is already hearty, but it loves some company. Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch alongside all that cheesy comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon Cheesy Beef Pasta into small ramekins, sprinkle more cheese on top, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. Or, pile it high in a deep serving dish, swirling the pasta for dramatic cheese pulls when everyone digs in. Family-style in a big skillet right at the table also makes this meal feel extra inviting and special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let Cheesy Beef Pasta cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen as they mingle overnight, making leftovers especially irresistible.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled Cheesy Beef Pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent frost. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.
Reheating
When you’re ready to dive back in, reheat your Cheesy Beef Pasta on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth, cream, or even a bit of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through, making sure the cheese stays melty and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are excellent for holding onto the cheesy sauce, shells, fusilli, or even macaroni work just as well. Just aim for shapes that love to soak up sauce for the best experience.
Is there a lighter version of Cheesy Beef Pasta I can try?
Definitely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for lighter flavor and less fat. You might also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Pasta ahead for a party?
Yes, this dish is a terrific make-ahead option! Simply assemble everything and let it cool. Reheat gently before serving, stirring in a little extra liquid if needed to revive the creamy sauce.
How can I make Cheesy Beef Pasta spicier?
If you like it hot, add crushed red pepper flakes, swap in pepper jack cheese, or stir in some diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions. Adjust the amount to your taste and enjoy the fiery kick!
What veggies can I add to Cheesy Beef Pasta?
Mix in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions, or fold them in just before the cheeses for a fun twist on the original.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making it for a crowd or savoring leftovers yourself, Cheesy Beef Pasta is bound to become a weeknight staple that everyone requests. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving its creamy, cheesy, beefy comfort all over again—give it a try and discover why it’s such a beloved favorite!
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Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Beef Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 lb ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions and beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Season and simmer: Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add heavy cream.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Cook until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
