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Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta recipe. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, this cheesy pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
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Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Cheese grater

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Ground Beef:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  • Combine the Ingredients:
  • Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine Everything:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture, stirring to combine.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture, stirring until everything is well coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.