Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and rotini pasta all tossed in a rich tomato sauce and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.
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
Liquids and Seasonings
- 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 the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: Add 1 lb ground beef, diced onions, and diced green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute to release the aromatic flavor.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil 8 oz rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and vegetable tomato mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the combined pasta and sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy beef pasta hot to enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- You can substitute rotini with penne or fusilli pasta if preferred.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stove or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.
