Here’s a hearty and comforting recipe for Pasta with Beef and Cheese—think of it like a classic baked pasta or cheesy beef pasta skillet.
Pasta with Beef and Cheese
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Add sauce and seasoning:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until pasta is fully coated with beef sauce.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta.
- Cover the skillet and cook on low for 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
💡 Tips:
- For a baked version, transfer pasta and sauce to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot version that cooks pasta directly in the sauce for minimal cleanup and extra flavor.
