Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a hearty skillet of Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta. This easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. A rich tomato sauce meets savory beef and tender pasta, all coated in melty, gooey cheese.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something nostalgic and satisfying, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable. Add your favorite veggies or spice it up with chili flakes—either way, it’ll disappear fast!
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they trap the sauce and cheese in every bite. However, elbow macaroni or even fusilli also work well. Use what you have on hand!
Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How To Make the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat while you cook the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish
Serve this cheesy beef pasta straight from the skillet while it’s hot and melty. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. For leftovers, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What other cheeses can I use?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a dash of Parmesan work great as substitutes or additions.
Is this spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a kick.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great lean alternatives.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef with a plant-based ground or add sautéed mushrooms and lentils for heartiness.
Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just be sure not to overcook gluten-free pasta, as it tends to become mushy.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you love this cheesy beef pasta, you’ll want to check out these comforting pasta recipes:
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with bold Italian flavors.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic, creamy favorite.
- Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood spin.
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for an easy slow cooker meal.
- One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another weeknight hero.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra cheesy? Try a spicy version? Swap in turkey?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Got questions? I’m here to help you make dinner easy and delicious.
Looking for even more tasty ideas? Follow along on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily recipes and dinner inspiration.
Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A savory mix of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, tender pasta, and two kinds of cheese come together in one skillet. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz pasta (penne or preferred shape)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
0.5 cup beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat while you cook the pasta.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
This is a great make-ahead meal and reheats beautifully.
Swap the beef with ground turkey or a meatless option for variety.
If your sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, one-skillet meal
