Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic

Quick, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor!

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and cheesy meal that the whole family will love, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect recipe. Made in just one pan, this dish combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all cooked together for an easy weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Best of all? Minimal cleanup! Since the pasta cooks right in the skillet, it soaks up all the rich, savory flavors while creating a silky, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just craving a hearty meal, this one-pan pasta is a must-try!

Let’s dive in and make this cheesy, beefy pasta masterpiece!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start, let’s go over the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you’ll need.

Main Ingredients:

🥩 1 lb ground beef – The base of the dish, adding protein and rich flavor.
🧅 1 small onion, diced – Enhances the dish with a slight sweetness.
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds an aromatic, savory depth.
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for extra flavor.
🌶 ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of warmth and smokiness.
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – Brings out all the flavors.
⚫ ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A touch of spice.

For the Sauce & Pasta:

🥣 2 cups beef broth – Infuses the pasta with a deep, meaty flavor.
🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce) – Adds acidity and richness.
🥛 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version) – Creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
🍝 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well) – Cooks directly in the sauce for extra flavor.

For the Cheesy Finish:

🧀 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for ultimate creaminess.
🧀 ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor) – Adds a nutty, salty bite.
🧈 1 tablespoon butter – Helps create a velvety smooth sauce.

Optional Garnish:

🌿 Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

The first step in this one-pan wonder is browning the ground beef and aromatics to build a flavorful base.

How to Cook the Ground Beef:

1️⃣ Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
3️⃣ Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5-7 minutes).
4️⃣ Drain excess grease if needed to prevent a greasy sauce.
5️⃣ Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing with the savory aroma of seasoned beef, garlic, and herbs filling the air.

Now that our seasoned ground beef and onions are cooked to perfection, it’s time to turn this into a rich, creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Instead of cooking the pasta separately, we’ll let it simmer right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors while keeping everything in one pan for easy cleanup.

Let’s move on to the next steps!

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

To create the flavor-packed base of this dish, we’ll add beef broth, tomatoes, and heavy cream, giving the pasta a creamy and slightly tangy balance.

How to Simmer the Sauce:

1️⃣ Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.
2️⃣ Add the can of diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and 1 cup of heavy cream.
3️⃣ Stir everything together until fully combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

At this point, your sauce will start to thicken slightly and take on a deep, rich flavor—the perfect foundation for our pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in One Pan

One of the best parts of this recipe is that the pasta cooks directly in the simmering sauce, absorbing all the flavors instead of just plain water.

How to Cook the Pasta in the Sauce:

1️⃣ Add 8 ounces of uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. (Penne, rotini, or shells work best.)
2️⃣ Stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s fully submerged.
3️⃣ Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Pro Tip: If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of extra beef broth or water and keep simmering.

At this stage, the pasta is infused with all the beefy, creamy, and savory flavors, making each bite extra delicious.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy!

Now it’s time to turn this beefy, creamy pasta into a cheesy masterpiece!

How to Add the Cheese:

1️⃣ Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to make the sauce extra silky.
2️⃣ Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the pasta.
3️⃣ If using, mix in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor.

Once the cheese is fully melted, the pasta will be thick, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy.

Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is now hot, creamy, and packed with melty cheese—the ultimate one-pan comfort meal! Whether you’re serving this for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Now, let’s go over serving ideas, frequently asked questions, and storage tips to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe!

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Now that your pasta is perfectly cheesy and creamy, it’s time to dish it up and add the finishing touches!

How to Serve:

🍽 Serve hot, straight from the skillet for the best texture and flavor.
🧄 Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
🌶 Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🥄 Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Pro Tip: For an even cheesier finish, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and broil the skillet for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne, rotini, or shells work great, you can also use:
🍝 Macaroni – For a cheeseburger mac-style dish.
🍝 Rigatoni – For a heartier bite.
🍝 Fettuccine or spaghetti – If you prefer long pasta.
🍝 Gluten-free pasta – Works just as well; just watch the cooking time.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Try these variations:
✅ Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner option.
✅ Italian sausage – Adds extra spice and depth.
✅ Plant-based ground “meat” – For a vegetarian alternative.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

🍽 Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Pro Tip: If freezing, let the pasta thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

5. Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! This recipe is easily customizable. Try adding:
🥦 Spinach or kale – Stir in at the end for added greens.
🍄 Mushrooms – Sauté them with the onions for extra depth.
🌽 Bell peppers, corn, or peas – Adds sweetness and crunch.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect One-Pan Comfort Meal

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. With its hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, it’s a meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and fewer dishes!
✅ Rich & Creamy – A velvety, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use a different protein.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s full of flavor, give this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta a try!

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out and any fun twists you added!

🍝🧀🔥 Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 🔥🧀🍝

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