Irresistible Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Few meals are as satisfying as a warm bowl of pasta coated in a rich beef sauce and finished with melted cheese. This simple, budget-friendly recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Savory ground beef, seasoned tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese combine to create a comforting dish packed with bold flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a casual gathering, this easy pasta dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Cheesy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) | 360 g | Base that soaks up sauce |
| Pasta | Salt | 1 tsp | For boiling water |
| Beef Sauce | Ground beef | 500 g | Provides rich flavor |
| Beef Sauce | Onion, finely chopped | 1 small | Aromatic base |
| Beef Sauce | Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Adds depth |
| Beef Sauce | Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Beef Sauce | Tomato sauce | 120 ml | Tangy base |
| Beef Sauce | Dried oregano or basil | 1 tsp | Italian seasoning |
| Beef Sauce | Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Beef Sauce | Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1 tsp | Adds heat |
| Cheese | Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) | 100 g | Melty topping |
| Cheese | Heavy cream (optional) | 50 ml | Adds creaminess |
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Prepare the Beef Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add Cheese
Stir in heavy cream if using. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta, cover, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to a baking dish and broil briefly until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor
- Allow the sauce to simmer longer for deeper taste
- Add a pinch of sugar if the tomato sauce tastes too acidic
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds texture when mixed with sauce
