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
Scale
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.
