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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

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A quick and comforting cheesy ground beef pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) dry pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce if desired.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for juiciness.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add softened cream cheese in chunks and stir continuously until melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or milk to loosen.
  6. Fold in cooked pasta, shredded sharp cheddar, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until cheese melts and pasta is coated in cheesy sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Browning the beef properly enhances flavor. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. For a lighter version, swap half the beef for ground turkey or use low-fat cheese. To keep sauce creamy when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, family dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-pasta-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/