Let’s be honest, the question “what’s for dinner tonight” can be a little stressful. You want something tasty, something the whole family will eat, and something that doesn’t require a ton of effort after a long day. This is where a good list of Ground Beef Recipes comes in handy. Ground beef is affordable, versatile, and a total crowd pleaser.
We are taking that humble package of ground beef and turning it into a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish. Think of it as a grown up version of your favorite childhood meal, but it’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s one of those amazing Easy Meals With Ground Beef you will come back to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this dish so special? First off, it’s a fantastic one skillet meal. Fewer dishes to wash is always a win in my book. Everything comes together in one pan, which means the flavors get to know each other really well, creating a super savory sauce.
The combination of tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety tomato cream sauce is pure comfort. Each little shell cups the sauce perfectly. Then, you get that glorious melted cheddar cheese binding everything together. It’s a truly satisfying meal.
It’s also incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy techniques or equipment. If you can boil pasta and brown some beef, you can absolutely nail this recipe. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking for new Quick Dinner Ideas that deliver big flavor without the fuss.
Plus, it’s a family favorite. Kids love the cheesy, mild flavors, and adults appreciate the rich, comforting taste. You can easily customize it by adding some veggies or a little extra spice. It’s a wonderful addition to your rotation of Ground Beef Dishes.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The list is pretty simple, filled with pantry staples you might already have on hand.
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups
A quick note on the cheese. I really recommend using extra sharp cheddar. It has a strong flavor that stands up to the rich sauce. You can definitely use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer, but the sharp kind gives it a little extra something.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. This is one of my favorite Ground Beef Recipes for a reason!
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
First, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your pasta shells and cook them according to the package directions. You want them al dente, which means they should still have a little bite. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown The Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook it for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent. Now, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until you can smell that amazing fragrance.
Step 4: Build The Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk it in. Let it cook for about a minute until it’s lightly browned. This step is important because the flour will help thicken our sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and the tomato sauce. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. You’ll want it to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce a bit and get slightly thicker. This is where the magic happens for our Ground Beef Dishes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Stir the cooked pasta, the browned beef, and the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it all heat through for a minute or two. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it to make sure it’s just right!
Finally, stir in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This should only take about two minutes. The final result is a beautiful, cheesy skillet of goodness.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
Serve your creation immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. You can garnish it with some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, but it’s wonderful just as it is. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds of one of the best Easy Meals With Ground Beef.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 or 4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat it, you can do so in the microwave or on the stovetop. The sauce might thicken up in the fridge, so I suggest adding a little splash of milk or beef stock when you reheat it. This will help bring back that creamy texture.
Tips
Want to customize this dish a bit? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Great Ground Beef Recipes are all about making them your own.
Add some veggies for extra nutrients and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end would all be great additions. It’s an easy way to make your meal even more wholesome.
Feel free to play around with the cheese. While extra sharp cheddar is fantastic, a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby would be creamy and mild. Or for a little kick, try a pepper jack cheese. Just make sure you shred your own cheese from a block. It melts so much better than the pre shredded kind.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. It adds a nice, subtle warmth to the dish without being overpowering. This is a simple tweak for more adventurous palates looking for new Quick Dinner Ideas.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and satisfying weeknight dinner that will surely become a staple in your home. This dish proves that great Ground Beef Recipes don’t have to be complicated to be incredibly good.
It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with a smile. The next time you are wondering what to do with that pound of ground beef, I hope you give this cheesy pasta skillet a try. I am sure you and your family will enjoy it!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Absolutely! While medium shells are great for holding the sauce, you can use other shapes too. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni would all work well in this recipe. Just use about 8 ounces of whatever short pasta you have on hand.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten Free?
Yes, you can. To make it gluten free, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten free variety. You will also need to use a gluten free all purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce. The results will be just as tasty.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This is a pretty hearty meal on its own, so you don’t need much. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great choice to balance the richness. Some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the sauce is also a fantastic option.
Is It Possible To Use A Different Meat?
For sure. If you’re not a fan of beef, ground turkey or ground chicken would be good substitutes. Keep in mind they are leaner, so you might not have as much fat to drain. The flavor will be a bit different, but still very enjoyable. It’s a great way to adapt Ground Beef Dishes to your preference.
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
A rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish ready in about 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal combines tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety tomato cream sauce with melted cheddar. It’s an easy, comforting, and customizable family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your pasta shells and cook them according to the package directions. You want them al dente, which means they should still have a little bite. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside for now.
- Add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook it for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until it becomes soft and translucent. Now, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until you can smell that amazing fragrance.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk it in. Let it cook for about a minute until it’s lightly browned. This step is important because the flour will help thicken our sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and the tomato sauce. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. You’ll want it to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce a bit and get slightly thicker.
- Now it’s time to bring it all together. Stir the cooked pasta, the browned beef, and the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it all heat through for a minute or two. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it to make sure it’s just right!
- Finally, stir in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This should only take about two minutes.
- Serve your creation immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. You can garnish it with some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, but it’s wonderful just as it is.
Notes
Add some veggies for extra nutrients and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end would all be great additions. It’s an easy way to make your meal even more wholesome.
Feel free to play around with the cheese. While extra sharp cheddar is fantastic, a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby would be creamy and mild. Or for a little kick, try a pepper jack cheese. Just make sure you shred your own cheese from a block. It melts so much better than the pre shredded kind.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. It adds a nice, subtle warmth to the dish without being overpowering.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
