Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cheesy beef pasta delight recipe hits all the right comfort food notes.
Rich, velvety sauce cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
Tender beef mingles with melted cheese, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.
Each forkful delivers a luxurious blend of protein and carbohydrates that feels like a warm culinary embrace.
The recipe combines simple ingredients with restaurant-quality taste, making dinner both effortless and impressive.
Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this pasta promises to become a household favorite that everyone will request again and again.
Dig in and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible comfort classic.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 490 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients Behind Cheesy Beef Pasta
For Protein Base:
Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and substantial protein to create a filling main dish, choose lean beef for less grease and better texture.
Beef Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps cook pasta, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide sweet undertones and vibrant color, select fresh crisp vegetables for maximum crunch and flavor.
Garlic: Delivers intense, robust taste that elevates the entire dish, choose fresh cloves over pre-minced for more potent aroma.
For Creamy Cheesy Goodness:
Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta: Create luxurious, velvety sauce with rich, comforting texture, select high-quality cheeses for smoother melting and deeper taste.
Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy base and moisture to the recipe, look for smooth, well-seasoned varieties.
For Binding and Seasoning:
Flour: Thickens sauce and creates smooth consistency, use all-purpose flour for best results.
Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend Mediterranean and classic seasonings for complex, balanced flavor profile.
For Pasta Base:
Pasta: Serves as hearty foundation of the dish, choose medium-sized pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
Tools That Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Easy
Large Skillet with Lid: Essential for browning beef and cooking entire dish, ensuring even heat distribution.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching skillet surface.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and preparing ingredients before cooking.
Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
Measuring Spoons: Critical for accurate seasoning and adding precise amounts of herbs and spices.
Measuring Cups: Help measure liquids like beef broth and cream accurately.
Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.
Cooking Cheesy Beef Pasta from Scratch
Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Delight
Meaty Foundation Ground beef transformation begins in a sizzling skillet, browning to golden perfection. Retain a touch of beefy essence by keeping some grease.
Vegetable Symphony Onions and bell peppers dance together, softening and releasing their aromatic charm. Garlic joins the party, adding a whisper of fragrance.
Silky Sauce Starter Flour cascades over the vegetables, creating a magical base that will embrace the incoming liquids with velvety grace.
Flavor Explosion Beef broth and tomato sauce merge, accompanied by a medley of herbs and spices that promise a taste adventure.
Pasta Magic Noodles dive into the bubbling liquid, absorbing flavors and becoming tender. A gentle simmer transforms them into comfort incarnate.
Cheese Wonderland Cream and melted cheeses create a luxurious blanket, turning the dish into a creamy dreamscape. Cheddar and Velveeta weave their magic.
Final Fusion Browned beef returns to the skillet, reuniting with its pasta and cheese companions, creating a harmonious culinary masterpiece.
Flavor Tweaks for Cheesy Beef Pasta
Meat Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that still delivers delicious flavor.
Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gruyère to create unique taste profiles that match your mood.
Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sauté stage to increase nutrition and add more depth to the dish.
Spice It Up: Add a kick by including red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little extra heat in their pasta.
Make-Ahead Marvel: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Ways to Plate Cheesy Beef Pasta
Cheese Lover's Dream Plate: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or parmesan on top for a bold flavor boost that makes every bite more indulgent and exciting.
Fresh Herb Garnish: Chop fresh parsley or chives and scatter over the pasta to add a bright, green pop of color and a clean, fresh taste that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.
Crispy Topping Adventure: Crush some garlic bread crumbs or crispy bacon bits and sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety pasta texture.
Side Salad Companion: Pair this hearty pasta with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
Preserve Cheesy Beef Pasta the Smart Way
Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Cook double the recipe and portion into airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners that save time and energy.
Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Consume quickly for optimal taste and texture.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Pasta dishes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Separate into individual servings before freezing to make reheating super convenient.
Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated pasta by adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots.
Hearty beef pasta recipe blends rich flavors with comforting Italian-inspired ingredients. Creamy cheese sauce and tender beef create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
4 oz (113 grams) velveeta cheese, cubed
1.5 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz (226 grams) pasta of choice (farfalle recommended)
2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
1 (8 oz/226 grams) can tomato sauce
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (75 grams) onion, diced
½ cup (75 grams) bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsps (16 grams) all-purpose flour
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, removing any pink traces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of beef drippings and set meat aside.
Vegetable Infusion: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in reserved beef fat, cooking until vegetables become translucent. Add minced garlic and allow aromatics to develop for 30 seconds.
Sauce Foundation: Sprinkle flour over vegetable mixture, creating a light roux. Gradually pour beef broth, whisking to eliminate potential lumps. Introduce tomato sauce, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
Pasta Integration: Submerge pasta completely in the liquid, covering and simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta reaches al dente texture.
Creamy Cheese Finale: Reduce heat and blend heavy cream into the sauce. Melt cheddar and Velveeta cheeses until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency. Fold reserved ground beef back into the cheesy pasta, ensuring complete temperature distribution and even protein integration.
Notes
Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked without burning, leaving no pink areas for food safety and enhanced flavor depth.
Vegetable Sautéing Secret: Cook onions and peppers until translucent to release natural sweetness and develop rich underlying taste profile.
Flour Roux Mastery: Stir flour continuously to prevent burning and create smooth sauce base, which helps thicken and bind ingredients perfectly.
Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and achieve ultra-creamy, silky sauce consistency without graininess.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.