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Cheesy Beef Pasta

This cheesy beef pasta combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce for a hearty one-pan family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's satisfying, easy, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 320 g pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 450 g ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced About 120g
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400 g canned diced tomatoes About 14 oz
  • 240 ml beef broth About 1 cup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 120 ml heavy cream About ½ cup
  • 180 g cheddar cheese, grated About 2 cups
  • 90 g mozzarella cheese, grated About ¾ cup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt Plus more for pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or sauté pan
  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 colander
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 cheese grater if using block cheese
  • 1 knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and both cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until all the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy beef sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
This dish is great for leftovers and reheats well in the microwave. Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.