Ready to dive into your next weeknight favorite? This Cheesy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: rich, creamy, bursting with savory ground beef and smothered in gooey, melty cheese. With simple steps and a quick 30-minute timeline, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll make on repeat. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving something extra cozy, Cheesy Beef Pasta never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cheesy Beef Pasta has a delicious job to do! From adding texture to building big flavor, these kitchen staples blend together perfectly. Let’s break down why you’ll want to keep this list handy for your next pasta night.

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow): Choose your favorite shape for maximum sauce-capturing ability; each holds the cheesy, beefy goodness in its own way.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives the beef and vegetables a glossy, golden head start and prevents sticking.
1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, protein-packed flavor and richness to the entire dish.
1 small onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth that rounds out the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a mellow, aromatic kick you’ll notice in every bite.
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy base that binds everything together.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend that delivers classic, herby notes you expect in cozy pasta dishes.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and heightening all the surrounding flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and zest.
1/2 cup sour cream: Makes the sauce super creamy, with a slight tang that keeps things interesting.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into perfect gooey strings with mild, milky flavor.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Add cheddar for a sharp, bold twist and beautiful color.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of herby green freshness to finish things off.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. That springy, toothsome bite will hold up perfectly when you swirl it in all that cheesy sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re about to level up your noodle game.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat; this keeps your Cheesy Beef Pasta luxuriously rich but never greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss your diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet, right in with the beef. Sauté for three to four minutes until everything’s softened and fragrant. The kitchen smells irresistible at this stage—get ready for the compliments!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, then let it simmer for about five minutes. The sauce thickens a bit and wraps itself lovingly around every beefy bite.

Step 5: Creamy Addition and Pasta Toss

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Now bring back your cooked pasta, adding it straight into the skillet. Toss until each piece is coated in that rich, creamy, tomato-tinged sauce.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over everything, cover the pan, and give it a couple of minutes. As the cheese melts, it forms glorious, stretchy pockets of flavor—this is the magic moment that turns it from tasty to truly Cheesy Beef Pasta.

Step 7: Serve it Hot

Remove from heat, toss on some chopped parsley if you like, and bring it straight to the table. Serve warm for maximum oozy, comforting joy!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens each serving, but don’t be shy about experimenting. A dusting of grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes can take your Cheesy Beef Pasta up a notch. If you’re entertaining, offer little bowls of different toppings so everyone can make their plate special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides. Try garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce, or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli keep it balanced and colorful alongside the cheesy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Cheesy Beef Pasta into personal ramekins for a fun, family-style dinner or festive gathering. For extra flair, broil the tops for a minute so the cheese turns bubbly and golden. You can even stuff bell peppers with the pasta mixture before baking for a playful twist on traditional presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Cool your Cheesy Beef Pasta completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you’re never more than a quick reheat away from a comforting meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes better than you might think! Spoon the cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container, layering parchment between to keep the cheese from sticking if needed. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months for instant homemade comfort food later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat single portions in the microwave, stirring once or twice until hot and creamy. If you’re warming up a larger amount, cover it loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bubbling. Add a splash of milk if it seems a little thick to bring back the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or elbow are great, but you can easily swap in shells, fusilli, or even rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold onto all that luscious sauce and cheese.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or a hearty plant-based meat alternative all work wonderfully in Cheesy Beef Pasta. Adjust the seasoning if needed, since leaner meats may need a touch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic, or stir in your favorite hot sauce at the end. Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar can also add a gentle, spicy kick.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, Cheesy Beef Pasta is a great canvas for veggies. Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini during the sauté step for color and extra nutrition.

How do I make it lighter?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also increase the veggie content so each serving stretches a little further with fewer calories.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re short on time, hungry for comfort, or feeding a crowd, Cheesy Beef Pasta delivers every single time. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying with minimal fuss. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Beef Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an easy stovetop meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine: Reduce heat, stir in sour cream, add cooked pasta, and toss to combine.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Cover and cook on low until melted, about 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.