If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the best of savory beef, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with rich flavors from seasoned ground beef and vibrant bell peppers, paired with creamy cheddar cheese melting through every bite, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is simple to make and always satisfies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, combining freshness, seasoning, and texture to create that irresistible cheesy beef pasta everyone will love. Each item plays its part in making the dish flavorful and satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften vegetables while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a little crunch after cooking down.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Introduces a fresh, slightly tangy bite and vibrant green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Offers sweetness and brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punch of aromatic warmth throughout the sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides luscious juiciness and a slight acidity to balance richness.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Gives the sauce body and a comforting tomato base.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice and warmth.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: The curly shape traps sauce and cheese for maximum deliciousness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and both the green and red bell peppers. Let these cook together until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables have softened nicely, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish while bringing out the sweetness in your peppers and onions—so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add the Garlic for Aroma
Once your beef and veggies are ready, stir in the minced garlic. Cook this for just about a minute to release those wonderful garlicky aromas without letting it burn. This small move adds a subtle but essential layer of flavor that will make your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes. This gives time for all the ingredients to meld, creating that rich, hearty sauce you want coating each twist of pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Rotini Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After draining, set the pasta aside and get ready to bring it all together. The ridges and curls of rotini are perfect for holding on to the sauce and cheese, so this shape is an ideal choice for the recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Return to your skillet and mix the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture. Once everything is evenly combined, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until all the cheese has melted and is smoothly blended throughout the pasta. This gooey, cheesy element is what makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is now ready to be served hot. Ladle generous portions onto plates and prepare for happy smiles all around. This dish offers both comfort and excitement in each bite, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also add a sharp, nutty contrast to the cheddar’s creaminess. These simple garnishes not only brighten up the plate but add fresh herbaceous notes that elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread makes the meal feel more rounded. The fresh salad keeps things light and refreshing alongside the cheesy richness, while warm garlic bread helps mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just get creative at home, serve the cheesy beef pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, layering the mixture in a casserole dish with mozzarella on top baked until melted can turn it into an irresistible baked pasta dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let it cool before storing to maintain texture and flavor. When you reheat, the flavors meld even more, making it a great next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish also freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the cheese may change texture slightly but will still be delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy, or use the microwave in short bursts stirring in between for even warming. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming too greasy, ensuring every bite stays satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded cheddar cheese is classic for its meltiness and flavor, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan for extra depth. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Adjust seasonings as needed to keep the rich flavors, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian twist on this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! You can cook the sauce and pasta separately in advance, then combine and add the cheese just before serving. This saves time and keeps the pasta from getting mushy if made too far ahead.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Rotini is ideal since its twists hold onto the sauce well, but penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would work beautifully too. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, as they might get lost in the hearty sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the rotini pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. Most cook similarly to regular pasta, so just follow package instructions for perfect results without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those wonderful, soul-satisfying meals you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy, flavorful, and hits that perfect balance of meaty, cheesy, and saucy with every forkful. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—here’s to many happy dinners ahead!
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Beef Pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef and sautéed vegetables in a flavorful tomato sauce, tossed with rotini pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook beef and vegetables: Add ground beef, diced onions, green and red bell peppers into the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Simmer sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and vegetable sauce. Mix to coat the pasta well.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed throughout.
- Serve: Dish out the Cheesy Beef Pasta hot and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
- You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For added spice, include red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
