If I want a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s both quick and delicious, this Cheesy Beef Pasta is my go-to. It’s a simple combination of ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and pasta, all brought together with a rich tomato sauce and loads of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal when I want a warm, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground beef and sweet bell peppers gives the dish great flavor and texture, while the melted cheddar cheese adds the perfect creamy finish. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different veggies or cheeses depending on what I have on hand.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
One large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
8 oz rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Add ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
Serve Hot: Serve the Cheesy Beef Pasta hot and enjoy.
Serving Tips:
Fresh Green Salad: Pair your Cheesy Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the pasta dish. Try a simple mix of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread. The garlic and butter flavors enhance the savory taste of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a nutritious balance to your meal.
Wine Pairing: For an adult dinner, consider serving with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which pairs well with the hearty beef and tomato flavors.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cheesy Beef Pasta in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, place the pasta in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to store the pasta for a longer period, it can be frozen. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Portion Control: Consider dividing the pasta into individual servings before storing. This makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need, reducing food waste and ensuring each serving is heated evenly.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as a leaner alternative. Just cook them the same way you would the beef.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
I recommend rotini because its spiral shape holds the sauce nicely, but penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni are excellent substitutes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the ground beef and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils for protein.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Store the cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe is the perfect go-to for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving some comfort food, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful combination of beef, vegetables, pasta, and cheese in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in a rich tomato sauce and melted cheddar cheese. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: Cheesy Beef Pasta, easy dinner recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
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
8 oz rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve the Cheesy Beef Pasta hot and enjoy.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead of ground beef. Any type of pasta can be substituted for rotini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
