If comfort food had a champion, this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe would take the crown every time. It brings together perfectly browned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender rotini pasta all blanketed in a luscious layer of melted cheddar cheese. Each bite bursts with warmth and flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is pure, unpretentious joy on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one playing an essential role in building its delicious layers of taste and texture. From the hearty ground beef to the bright bell peppers and sharp cheddar cheese, every component is crucial for crafting this satisfying dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 large onion, diced: Offers natural sweetness and depth.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings fresh, slightly bitter notes and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and juiciness for brightness.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy coating for the pasta.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to tie the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a gentle kick of heat.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta designed to hold onto that cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: The crowning glory—melts with creamy goodness into every forkful.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onions and both green and red bell peppers. Cook everything together until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened up, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is foundational because it builds all the savory flavors that make the dish so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Garlic for an Aromatic Boost
Once your beef and veggies are nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just one more minute. The garlic will wake up the entire skillet with its fragrant aroma, adding a subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This simmering lets all the flavors meld together into a rich, cohesive sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.
Step 4: Cook and Drain the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. The rotini’s spiral shape will capture that cheesy beef sauce delightfully in each bite.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return to your skillet and add the drained pasta directly into the beef and vegetable sauce. Mix everything together so each piece of pasta is evenly coated with that flavorful, tomato-based mixture—this step is the heart of the Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe’s satisfying texture and taste.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta and stir it all together until the cheese melts fully. That melty, gooey cheese is what transforms this meal into the ultimate comfort dish, elevating every bite with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve. Grab some plates and dive into this warm, hearty meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe to the next level, consider simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or basil. They add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also give a welcome touch of heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed veggies like broccoli. These sides introduce contrast—whether it’s crunch, freshness, or an additional burst of flavor—that balances the hearty pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese on top, then broil briefly to create a bubbly golden crust. Another idea is to layer the pasta in a baking dish and top with more cheddar and breadcrumbs for a baked macaroni-style casserole that elevates weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes just as fantastic, if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze your Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe in portion-sized freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until heated through and the cheese regains its creamy texture—just like freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides a wonderful sharpness and meltability, cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses can work beautifully depending on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Rotini is ideal due to its spirals which catch the sauce well, but fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are great alternatives that also hold the cheesy beef sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for gatherings?
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep or entertaining because you can make it ahead and reheat it without losing flavor or texture, making hosting much less stressful.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Try adding chopped jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables or sprinkle in red pepper flakes when you add the tomatoes and seasonings. Adjust the heat level to your liking—it’s a versatile dish!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that combines ease, flavor, and comfort so perfectly, and this Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe does just that. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends, it’s bound to become one of those go-to recipes you make time and again. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe that combines ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce tossed with rotini pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and loved by the whole family.
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
Sauce
- 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 Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: Add ground beef, diced onions, and diced green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and is evenly distributed through the dish.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Cheesy Beef Pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on stovetop.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish adds an extra fresh flavor and visual appeal.
