Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
This Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is your go-to for a quick dinner idea that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Creamy, savory, and loaded with melty cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food for weeknights or cozy weekends. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy recipe that’s family-friendly and full of bold, hearty flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast-for-dinner twist or looking for food ideas to feed a crowd, this dish delivers. Packed with protein, rich in texture, and totally satisfying—this is one pasta recipe you'll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve some pasta water if needed for the sauce.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove and drain excess grease.
- 3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for 2 minutes.
- 5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 6. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- 7. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- 8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use full-fat dairy for the richest, creamiest texture.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
This recipe can be doubled for meal prep or larger gatherings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1plateCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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