Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines tender pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce, seasoned ground beef, and cheese. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of flavors creates a comforting meal that’s both delicious and practical. With a quick bake in the oven, the cheese melts into the pasta, forming a bubbly, golden topping.
Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
If you need a quick and easy homemade dinner option that doesn’t come from a box and whose ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, look no further! We’ve got the best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta recipe for you, here!
Homemade, full of tomato and cheese flavor, and packed with seasoned ground beef. This recipe is kid-friendly, is great for meal prep, and can easily be adapted to suit your own tastes and preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: A perfect combination of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepares well in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create a filling and flavorful meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with additional vegetables or different cheese blends.
Ground Beef Pasta Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic blend)
- Ground Beef
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion, finely minced
- Garlic Cloves
- Diced Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Beef Stock
- Colby-Jack Cheese
How to make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef with SPG and onion, then drain excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Add olive oil, garlic, tomato products, and beef stock to the skillet. Simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix pasta with the sauce and half the cheese.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
FAQ
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
This pasta freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What Are Some Substitutions?
- Cheese: Swap Colby-Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
- Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Serve This With…
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp side with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make a simple, healthy addition.
This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is a dependable go-to for satisfying hunger with minimal effort. Its adaptable nature ensures you can adjust to personal preferences while delivering a hot, cheesy, and delicious meal every time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting family dinner.
PIN FOR LATER!
Ground Beef Pasta
This hearty, cheesy beef pasta recipe is perfect to throw together for a quick weeknight dinner! Your family will love this!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon SPG (salt, pepper, garlic)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby-jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Boil a pot of well-salted water over high heat, and cook the noodles until they are al dente. - While the noodles are boiling, start the sauce.
- Put the ground beef, SPG, and minced onion into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up and brown all the meat.
- Once browned, drain off any excess fat from the pan and add the olive oil and garlic.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef stock.
- Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine the noodles and the pasta and half of the cheese. Stir to combine. Put into an oven-safe baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until everything is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with fresh garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Notes
Our Smoky SPG is perfect for this recipe! If you haven't picked any up yet, feel free to sub in your own blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 609Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 1135mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 37g