When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta dish to bring everyone to the table. Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is one of those recipes that combines everything we love about hearty meals—rich ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying, easy to make, and loved by the entire family.

I first stumbled upon this dish when I was looking for a quick and filling dinner idea. With a few pantry staples, like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, I was able to create something that tastes indulgent but requires little effort. It has since become a regular in my meal rotation, and I’m sure it will quickly become one of your favorites too.

In this recipe, ground beef is paired with a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, making every bite deliciously creamy. You’ll also add in a few simple ingredients like diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pasta, which come together beautifully to make a meal that feels a lot more complicated than it actually is. It’s one of those dishes where you can throw everything into one pan, let it simmer, and have dinner ready in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before diving into the recipe steps, here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, beefy pasta:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Steps to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Let them sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The smell of the garlic cooking is a great indicator that you’re on the right track, and it’s a good time to make sure your kitchen is getting that delicious, comforting aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir it around every so often, and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid making the dish too greasy. This step is all about getting that rich, savory beef flavor that will add depth to the whole dish.

Step 3: Add the Diced Tomatoes and Broth

Once the beef is cooked and drained, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes along with their juice, the beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a simmer. The tomatoes will add a bit of tang, while the beef broth will help infuse more flavor into the pasta as it cooks. The Italian seasoning ties everything together with that unmistakable herbaceous touch. Let it simmer for a few minutes while you get your pasta ready.

Step 4: Add the Uncooked Pasta

Now it’s time to add the pasta. Pour in your uncooked elbow macaroni (or whatever pasta you prefer) and stir to combine everything. The broth and tomato mixture will start to coat the pasta as it simmers, soaking up all the flavors. Once the pasta is in, cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Continuing the Magic: How to Finish Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

By now, your kitchen should be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of simmering beef, tomatoes, and pasta. The pasta has absorbed most of the liquid, and you’re almost at the finish line! The final steps of this recipe are simple but critical—this is where the creamy, cheesy goodness happens. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be eagerly waiting for that first bite, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Now let’s take this dish from delicious to irresistible by adding in the cheeses and giving it that final seasoning.

Steps to Finish Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta:

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Once the pasta is tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to stir in the cheeses. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the dish becomes creamy and cohesive. The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the dish the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess, with cheddar providing a bit of tang and mozzarella offering that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.

If you find that the pasta is too thick, you can add a little splash of milk or broth to loosen things up. However, I recommend letting the cheese melt in on its own first to see how creamy it becomes before deciding to adjust the texture.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Now that your cheesy, beefy pasta is looking extra creamy, it’s time to season it to perfection. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. This is where you can really tailor the flavors to your liking. Depending on how salty your beef broth is, you might need just a pinch of salt, or perhaps a little more. Freshly ground black pepper will add a subtle kick that balances the richness of the cheese.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is fully melted and everything is nicely seasoned, it’s time to serve! I love this dish because it’s so hearty on its own, but you can always add a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. Spoon the cheesy pasta into bowls and serve hot. This dish is best enjoyed while it’s still warm, with that melty cheese creating the perfect comfort food experience.

Tips to Elevate Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Before we move on to the FAQ section, here are a few extra tips and variations to make this dish even better:

Go Leaner: If you want to cut down on fat, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. They’ll still provide that satisfying protein without the extra calories.
Add Vegetables: If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding chopped spinach or bell peppers when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’s an easy way to boost the dish’s nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you cook the onions and garlic. It’ll add a nice kick to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Switch Up the Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack, gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan can add an interesting twist to the flavor profile.
Leftovers: This dish is great for leftovers! If you have any pasta left over, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, add a little milk or broth to help restore the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Now that you’ve got all the steps to make this hearty, cheesy dish, let’s take a look at some common questions that might pop up while preparing your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work wonderfully in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you use, as larger pasta shapes may take a bit longer to cook through. The key is making sure the pasta absorbs the liquid and becomes tender before you add the cheese.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk or beef broth to bring back the creamy texture. If you want to freeze it for later, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove.

3. What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?

There are several ways to kick up the flavor of this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta. For a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano at the end to brighten the flavors. For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream or sour cream can be added when you stir in the cheese. If you want more of a smoky flavor, consider adding a little bit of smoked paprika to the beef while it cooks.

4. Can I make this dish without beef?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you’re going fully vegetarian, consider using plant-based ground beef or adding in some extra veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, to create a hearty, flavorful dish. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the flavor profile of whatever meat alternative you use.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you find that it’s a bit thick after being stored, just add a little splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore the creamy consistency.

6. Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination, feel free to mix it up. You could try using gouda for a slightly smoky flavor, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Parmesan can also be a great addition to the mix for extra depth of flavor. Just be mindful that different cheeses will melt at different rates, so be sure to stir it in slowly to achieve the right creamy texture.

Conclusion: A Delicious Meal Made Easy

There you have it—a simple yet indulgent recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together in no time and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal when you want something comforting and filling, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta is just what you need to make any meal feel special.

Don’t forget to experiment with some of the variations I’ve shared, like adding veggies or trying different cheeses, to make this dish truly your own. And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your experiences in the comments, or let me know if you tried any fun twists on the recipe. The best part about this dish is that it’s super versatile—so go ahead, get creative, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, comforting pasta!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta