Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, family dinner, one-pot pasta