Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
This cheesy ground beef pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. With flavorful ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cheese grater if using block cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and combines into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined with the cheesy beef mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.