Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe with Rich Sauce

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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Looking for a mouthwatering, family-friendly dinner that comes together effortlessly on a busy weeknight? This cheesy ground beef pasta recipe combines tender fusilli pasta with a savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef meat sauce, all smothered under a heavy crown of gooey, melted cheese. It is the ultimate comfort food that satisfies big appetites with minimal effort. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family or preparing a cozy weekend meal, this delightful pasta dish is guaranteed to become a regular favorite on your dinner rotation.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 6 servings

  • Course: Main Course

  • Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fusilli or rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese (for extra richness)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until completely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

  4. Build the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir in the Italian seasoning, half of the salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the rich flavors to blend together for about 5 minutes.

  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fusilli pasta directly into the simmering meat sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until each piece of pasta is perfectly coated. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

  6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly across the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes, or place it under a preheated oven broiler, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and golden.

  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped chives and parsley, and serve hot right away. Enjoy your amazing cheesy ground beef pasta!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 3g

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