Irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort arrives with this cheesy ground beef pasta that promises pure deliciousness.

Savory flavors blend perfectly in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting and satisfying.

Meat and cheese create a magical combination everyone craves.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacular on your plate.

Rich and creamy textures will make you feel like a culinary genius.

Dig in and savor every delectable forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Is A Family Favorite

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: One-pan magic transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Quick Comfort: Minimal prep and cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheese blends to match your family's taste preferences.
• Family Dinner Champion: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this dish satisfies picky eaters and hungry adults alike, creating instant dinner harmony.

Everything You’ll Need For Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A rich, flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of this creamy pasta dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that add depth and a luxurious creamy texture to the pasta.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides an aromatic foundation to the beef and sauce.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and light herbal flavor to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the beef and provides a smooth cooking base.
• Pasta Sauce: A pre-made sauce that creates the primary flavor profile of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that contributes to the smooth and creamy consistency of the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.
• Pasta: The carbohydrate component that serves as the main vehicle for the sauce and beef.

How To Whip Up Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Fast

Step 1: Sizzle and Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté quickly until it releases its fragrant aroma, about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Season with salt and black pepper, distributing the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta, keeping a small amount of pasta water on hand for potential sauce adjustments.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour pasta sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with browned beef. Stir thoroughly to create a rich, creamy mixture that coats the meat beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Allow the cheeses to melt completely, stirring gently to create a smooth and velvety texture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta and serve immediately while warm, savoring the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting meal.

Easy Tips For Creamier Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Prevent Meat Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure ground beef browns evenly without clumping or burning.
• Control Pasta Texture: Watch pasta closely during boiling, testing for al dente consistency by tasting a piece to avoid overcooking and mushy results.
• Balance Sauce Creaminess: Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water if needed, creating a silky, smooth coating that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Elevate Cheese Melting: Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring, helping it melt smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth when sautéing meat to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the sauce.

Creative Ways To Change Up Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version, maintaining the creamy sauce and cheese blend.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, creating a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the rich, cheesy sauce intact.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Version: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-style pasta dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

What To Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, creamy beef pasta with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the hearty flavor profile and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Enhance with Crisp Side Salad: Create a fresh contrast by serving a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which helps balance the pasta's heavy texture and provides a zesty counterpoint.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding extra texture and a complementary garlicky flavor that echoes the dish's aromatic elements.
• Accompany with Chilled Pilsner: Select a crisp, light beer like a German-style Pilsner to cleanse the palate between bites and cut through the richness of the cheesy, creamy pasta.

The Best Way To Store Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the seal is tight to maintain freshness.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of pasta water or cream to prevent dryness, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of pasta water or cream to restore moisture, stirring gently until the pasta and sauce are heated through and creamy consistency is restored.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta — FAQs Made Simple

• Is ground beef the only protein option for this recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pasta sauce is gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking to increase heat levels.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

Substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and richness.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy ground beef pasta delivers a hearty midwest-style dinner perfect for family gatherings. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and tender noodles combine in one satisfying skillet meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additions:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to brown the ground beef with precision.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking for 6-8 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Season the beef with salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the meat.
5. Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and reserve a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
7. Pour pasta sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with browned beef, stirring to create a rich, creamy mixture.
8. Fold the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce, coating each piece thoroughly with the luxurious sauce.
9. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle cheddar and parmesan cheeses over the pasta, allowing them to melt completely.
10. Gently stir the pasta to integrate the melted cheeses, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
12. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Consider draining excess beef fat after browning to decrease overall calorie content and improve dish’s nutritional profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, monterey jack, or gruyere to create unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg