High-Protein Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

There’s something about the comforting aroma of a bubbling pasta dish that wraps around you like a warm hug, isn’t there? And if you want to impress your family without sacrificing your evening calm, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is your go-to recipe. Packed with about 28 grams of protein per serving thanks to our star ingredient—ground beef—this dish is not just hearty but incredibly satisfying too. Once you take that first bite and taste the rich, cheesy goodness mingled with a hint of Italian seasoning, you’ll see why this meal is a family favorite.

Print

Why This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Never Fails

Let’s be honest—weekday dinners can be a battlefield. You want something quick, filling, and delicious for the troops, without spending a half-day in the kitchen. Enter the Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta, a reliable recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes, leaving you with satisfied appetites and maybe even time for a little Netflix afterwards. With its blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor, it’s hard to go wrong here. So buckle up your apron; we’re about to discover the magic of simple cooking!

The Essentials

• 14 oz. penne pasta – Perfect for holding onto all that cheesy goodness.
• 1.5 lbs. ground beef – The powerhouse of protein in this dish.
• ½ tsp. salt – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning – The fragrant backdrop to our culinary masterpiece.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste – Intensifies the sauce’s richness.
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce – A secret umami kick.
• 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes – Provides moisture and freshness.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Turns this dish into a creamy delight.
• 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese – The gooey finish that’s hard to resist.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Cook pasta according to package directions but remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water just before draining the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot it was cooked in after draining. Mini-tip: This reserved water is liquid gold—it’ll help create that luscious sauce later on.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add in the beef. Season with the salt and Italian seasoning. Spread out the meat and then cook undisturbed until well-browned underneath, about 4-5 minutes. Pro tip: Letting the beef sear without stirring creates a deeper flavor.
3. Break up the meat and stir, cooking until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 3-5 more minutes. Drain off any grease, if desired.
4. Stir the onions and garlic into the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir and cook to heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir for 30 seconds, then add the cheese and mix well until melted into the sauce.
7. Add the beef mixture to the cooked pasta in the pasta pot. Stir everything together.
8. Lastly, add in 2-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to make the sauce a bit silkier. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Tip: The key to a good pasta dish is tossing everything together so the pasta gets coated with that cheesy sauce!

Nutrition Breakdown

With a serving size of about 1.5 cups, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta totals around 550 calories. Each serving offers approximately 28 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber. Perfect for families seeking a delicious, balanced meal that fuels their busy days! Plus, the protein-packed ground beef is a fantastic way to keep everyone satisfied.

How to Serve It Best

Serve your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta in large bowls topped with an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese or a fresh sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the pasta. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, some garlic bread never hurt anyone when it comes to soaking up the delicious sauce!

Keep It Fresh

To store your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, the microwave works like a charm. Just remember to add a splash of water or reserved pasta cooking water to keep the pasta from drying out.

Expert Tips

• Texture Boost: For a creamier sauce, whisk in an additional tablespoon of heavy cream right before serving.
• Flavor Enhancer: Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the beef for a bit of heat if your family loves a spicy kick.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance, refrigerated, and then baked off for 15-20 minutes when you’re ready to eat. A great time-saver!

Flavor Experiments

• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash to the pasta for a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Gourmet Option: Swap the Cheddar for a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan to elevate it into gourmet territory.
• Playful Combination: Stir in a handful of spinach right before serving to add a pop of color and some healthy greens without changing the flavor profile significantly.

Learn from My Mistakes

• Overcooking the Beef: Keep an eye on the beef; overcooking leads to a dry texture. Always check that it’s no longer pink but still juicy.
• Too Much Liquid: Adding too much pasta water or cream can make the sauce watery. Start with a little and gradually increase until silky perfection.
• Pasta Not Al Dente: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

• Pasta Bake: Transform leftovers into a pasta bake by layering it in a casserole dish, topping with more cheese, and baking until bubbly.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the leftover pasta to fill bell peppers, top with just a bit of cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.

Quick Questions

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still delivers great flavor.
• What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or a dairy-free cream could work, just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
• Can I add vegetables? For sure! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work wonderfully and add nutrition.