Classic Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
A comforting dish filled with ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- 8 oz Pasta Any style works—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded Feel free to mix with mozzarella or pepper jack.
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce Homemade or store-bought.
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Essential for flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Can substitute with oregano and basil.
- to taste Salt and Pepper For seasoning.
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and cheese. Mix everything until the cheese is melty and the pasta is well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if you have them on hand, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Ideal for meal prep; tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.