Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 2 cups short pasta (like penne or rotini)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 24 oz tomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to have everything ready before cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be added later.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing their aroma.
- Brown Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until browned throughout, breaking it apart with a spatula, which should take 6-8 minutes.
- Mix Sauce & Seasonings: Pour the tomato sauce into the browned beef mixture. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Cook on low heat for another 3-4 minutes before serving to ensure everything is heated through.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
