If you’re looking for an easy yet indulgent meal that the whole family will love, this One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is just what you need! Combining tender pasta with rich beef and creamy cheese, all cooked in a single skillet, it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s both filling and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious in no time.
With a minimal amount of prep and cooking time, this cheesy beef pasta will become your go-to meal when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or preparing dinner for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Add a side salad or some garlic bread for the perfect complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
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Add pasta to the pan and stir to combine. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked al dente.
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Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese or herbs as desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
When it comes to preparing a delicious meal in a hurry, it’s hard to beat a one-pan pasta dish that combines savory flavors, creamy cheese, and satisfying beef. The One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy to prepare, and, most importantly, packed with comforting flavors that everyone in your family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for something to serve at a casual family dinner, this recipe is a winner that’s sure to impress.
But what makes this dish truly special? Let’s take a deeper dive into the ingredients, benefits, and reasons why this cheesy beef pasta recipe stands out as a go-to option in your kitchen.
The Origin of One-Pan Pasta Dishes
One-pan meals have become increasingly popular in the world of home cooking, and it’s no surprise why. These meals are designed to streamline the cooking process by minimizing the number of dishes and cooking tools needed. The concept of one-pan meals has been around for centuries, with various cultures adopting the philosophy of cooking everything in one pot or pan to make both preparation and cleanup a breeze.
In the case of pasta dishes, one-pan cooking methods are incredibly effective. The pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the rich flavors from the ingredients, resulting in a dish that is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. One-pan pasta recipes, like this cheesy beefy pasta, are ideal for people who love delicious food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Choice
1. Simplicity at Its Best
This recipe is the definition of simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Ground beef, pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese are all you need to whip up this dish. Plus, everything cooks in a single pan, which means less prep time, fewer dishes to wash, and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
2. Quick and Easy
In today’s fast-paced world, time is often a luxury. That’s why recipes like the One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta are a game-changer for busy individuals and families. This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for those hectic nights when you’re scrambling to put together a meal before the day’s events take over. You can have a delicious, home-cooked dinner on the table in no time—no complicated steps involved!
3. Rich and Creamy Comfort Food
Sometimes, nothing satisfies the soul more than a comforting, creamy pasta dish. The heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese melt together, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that envelops the pasta and beef. This rich sauce brings the entire dish together, ensuring each bite is packed with creamy goodness. The cheesy flavor enhances the savory beef, making every forkful a joy to eat.
4. Packed with Protein
Ground beef is a great source of protein, and adding it to this dish ensures that you’re getting a balanced meal. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. It also helps to keep you feeling full for longer, making this dish not only delicious but also nourishing. You can even opt for lean ground beef if you’re looking to reduce the fat content while still enjoying the same great taste.
5. One-Pan Cleanup
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is the minimal cleanup. Cooking everything in one pan means that after dinner, you’ll have only one dish to clean. This makes the cooking process more enjoyable and less stressful, especially after a long day when the last thing you want to do is scrub a pile of dishes.
6. Customizable for Different Diets
While this recipe calls for beef, it’s easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using plant-based meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to create a delicious meatless option. You can also experiment with different cheeses—parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites will all work beautifully in this dish.
7. Perfect for Leftovers
This cheesy beefy pasta makes great leftovers. The flavors deepen and meld together even more after sitting overnight, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance and enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy a comforting meal without any extra effort.
The Benefits of Cooking with One-Pan Recipes
One-pan recipes, like this cheesy beefy pasta, offer several key benefits that make them a smart choice for busy cooks:
- Less Prep Work: By combining ingredients into a single pan, you reduce the need for multiple cooking utensils and prep stations. This makes the entire process more efficient and less overwhelming.
- Time-Saving: One-pan meals often require less active cooking time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen while still producing a delicious result. This is especially helpful when you’re juggling multiple tasks or need a meal ready quickly.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only one pan to clean, you save time on washing dishes. For those who dread the cleanup process, one-pan meals are a lifesaver.
- Flavor Infusion: Cooking everything in one pan allows the ingredients to meld together, infusing the pasta and meat with rich, flavorful sauce. This results in a more satisfying and cohesive dish.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
Family dinners can sometimes be challenging, especially when trying to please everyone’s taste buds. However, the One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta has something for everyone. It’s cheesy, hearty, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal to serve to both kids and adults alike. The combination of pasta and beef is a classic flavor pairing that most people love, and the creamy sauce adds a comforting touch that appeals to all ages.
Additionally, this dish can easily be doubled or halved depending on your family size, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a small group or a crowd, the One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta can be adapted to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is a true kitchen gem. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that is packed with flavor, satisfying, and family-friendly. It’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you need something hearty yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite that’s sure to impress. Plus, the one-pan cleanup makes it even better!
Try it for your next family dinner or weeknight meal, and you’ll soon see why this cheesy beefy pasta is destined to become a staple in your household.
Conclusion
The One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is more than just a simple dinner—it’s a meal that brings comfort, convenience, and flavor to your kitchen. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for customization to suit various dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this one-pan recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the savory beef and tender pasta, each bite is a reminder of why comfort food is so universally loved. Plus, the ability to cook everything in one pan makes it a stress-free and time-saving solution for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty homemade meal without the hassle.
Next time you’re in need of a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an essential recipe for your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite and make lasting memories with this comforting dish.