If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes, this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all wrapped in perfectly cooked rotini pasta and crowned with melty cheddar cheese. This recipe is not just simple to make but also delivers that cozy, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a unique layer of taste, texture, and color, transforming everyday pantry staples into something remarkably delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein providing rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the vegetables while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic base that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crunch and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and a vibrant red hue, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the recipe with a warm, pungent aroma that awakens your senses.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds juicy texture and a fresh tomato flavor essential for the sauce.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Provides body and richness to the sauce’s base.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: The perfect spiral pasta to catch every bit of sauce and cheese.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that luscious, gooey finish everyone craves.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onions, green and red bell peppers. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the vegetables turn tender, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This step lays the foundation for all the savory goodness ahead.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just enough to release its fragrant aroma without burning. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, giving all the flavors time to meld into a rich, hearty sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, ready to be combined with that savory beef and vegetable mix.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Add Cheese
Mix the drained rotini directly into the skillet with your beef and vegetable sauce. Stir everything together so the pasta is perfectly coated. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, stirring gently until it melts into a creamy layer that ties the dish together with irresistible cheesiness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Hot
Dish out your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe while it’s piping hot—this cozy, cheesy comfort meal is best enjoyed fresh for that melty, saucy bliss.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan can also add an irresistible salty finish and a pop of sophistication.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon this cheesy beef pasta into individual oven-safe bowls, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a showstopper that feels both special and homey at once.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing it in a freezer-safe container and storing for up to 2 months. To avoid a watery texture, freeze before adding cheese and sprinkle fresh cheddar when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Cover the pan to help melt the cheese evenly and keep everything warm and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini’s spirals catch the sauce nicely, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand or what texture you prefer.
Is ground beef the only meat option for this recipe?
Not at all. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives, and even sausage makes for a flavorful variation. Just adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. The rich tomato sauce and cheese will still make it wonderfully satisfying.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for a delicious kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?
Try using lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost fiber without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those cheesy cravings. Give it a whirl and let it quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and tender rotini pasta all smothered in melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: Add 1 lb ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook 8 oz rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture and stir until the cheese melts fully and coats the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy beef pasta hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add fresh parsley or basil as garnish for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
