Craving a mouthwatering meal that's quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food desires? Look no further than this irresistible Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Packed with savory ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the ground beef. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, then return it to the pot.
- Add the beef and tomato sauce mixture to the pasta. Gently mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until the cheese begins to melt.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce best.
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Ensure your ground beef is completely browned with no pink remaining to develop maximum flavor.
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the beef, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing a piece before draining.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Block cheese that you grate yourself melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the dish to sit for a minute after adding cheese to help it melt evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
