The Happiest Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy ground beef pasta that promises to satisfy every craving.

The aroma of sizzling beef and melted cheese fills the kitchen, creating an instant appetite.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable recipe.

Hearty and packed with flavor, each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich ground beef and creamy cheese.

Tender pasta provides the ideal canvas for this mouthwatering combination.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Is So Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this delightful pasta dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and ultra-creamy Velveeta cheese that will make everyone at the table happy and asking for seconds.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor come together in a single pan, saving you time on dishes and making this recipe a go-to for home cooks looking for convenience and taste.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty, cheesy goodness that makes this pasta dish a guaranteed winner for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Super flavorful meat that browns nicely in a skillet.

• Pasta Shells, Rotini: Hearty pasta shapes perfect for catching cheesy sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Diced Tomatoes, Pasta Sauce: Delicious liquid base with rich tomato goodness.
• Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder: Classic spice blend that adds depth of flavor.

• Velveeta Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Gently place ground beef into the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Pasta sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder

Stir everything together, creating a rich and aromatic base for your pasta.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer

Toss in pasta shells or rotini, mixing well with the sauce.

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Let the pasta cook for 14-16 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch for the pasta to reach that perfect al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

Cube the Velveeta cheese into small pieces.

Sprinkle the cubes into the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, transforming the sauce into a creamy, luxurious coating.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Immediately transfer the cheesy ground beef pasta to serving plates.

Enjoy the warm, comforting meal straight from the skillet, with all its melted cheese and robust flavors.

Cooking Tips for Beef and Cheese Pasta

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Opt for pasta shells or rotini that can hold sauce well, creating better flavor distribution and a more enjoyable eating experience.
• Cut Velveeta into small, uniform cubes to help it melt faster and create a smoother, more consistent cheese sauce.
• Watch the pasta closely during cooking to achieve perfect al dente texture without overcooking or becoming mushy.
• Adjust Italian seasoning and onion powder according to your preference, allowing you to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying and restore creamy texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best quality.

Side Pairings for Cheesy Beef Pasta

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel that complements the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the pasta's creamy texture.
• Boost Cheese Complement: Select sharp cheddar or parmesan as additional cheese toppings to intensify the dish's savory profile and add extra depth to each bite.
• Perfect Side Salad: Create a fresh mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta, providing a light and tangy contrast to the rich main course.
• Beer Match Recommendation: Grab an amber ale or lager with mild maltiness that stands up to the robust beef and melted cheese, offering a refreshing accompaniment to the meal.

Variants for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure pasta sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option. Replace Velveeta with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and cumin to the recipe. Top with fresh cilantro and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta shells or rotini with other short pasta like penne, macaroni, or ziti. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Definitely. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-sodium chicken broth, and part-skim Velveeta cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef pasta blends Italian-inspired comfort with hearty, melted cheese goodness. Rich flavors combine in this simple, satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite for you.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 3 cups (711 milliliters) medium pasta shells or rotini
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) petite diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Velveeta cheese

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (651 milliliters) chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) pasta sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious pan over medium-high flame and thoroughly cook the ground beef until no pink remains, eliminating any accumulated grease.
2. Pour chicken broth, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and onion powder into the pan with the beef, creating a harmonious mixture.
3. Introduce pasta shells directly into the simmering liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the pasta to gently cook, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking.
5. Monitor the pasta’s texture, aiming for a tender yet firm consistency, typically requiring 12-15 minutes of cooking time.
6. Dice Velveeta cheese into small, uniform cubes and sprinkle them across the surface of the pasta mixture.
7. Gently fold the cheese into the hot pasta, stirring continuously until it transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every morsel.
8. Remove from heat and let the dish rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
9. Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired, and savor the rich, comforting blend of flavors.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for varied texture and visual appeal.
• Enhance nutrition by sneaking in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the beef browning stage.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta, which adds extra protein and maintains a similar consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg