One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is the epitome of comfort food with a fast-paced twist. Rich, savory ground beef is cooked with garlic, onion, and warm seasonings, then simmered in a tomato and broth blend. Pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor before being finished with a splash of cream and generous handfuls of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
What sets this recipe apart is the balance between hearty and creamy. The beef brings depth, the tomatoes add a touch of acidity, and the cheeses melt into a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Best of all, it’s all made in one pan—no need to boil pasta separately or juggle multiple pots. This dish makes cleanup easy and flavors bold, perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend cravings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
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2 cups beef broth
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8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated mozzarella
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another 30 seconds.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Stir in the heavy cream and both cheeses. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 4
One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is the kind of dish that speaks directly to your soul—hearty, cheesy, rich in flavor, and best of all, incredibly easy to make. Originating as a fusion between American-style comfort food and the practicality of Italian-inspired one-pot meals, this dish is a perfect example of how to make weeknight dinners both stress-free and delicious. It captures the best of both worlds: the satisfying richness of a beefy tomato sauce and the gooey, melty magic of cheese, all enveloping tender pasta cooked to perfection in one single pan.
Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or have a pantry full of exotic ingredients to pull it off. It’s designed for busy home cooks, parents, students, and anyone looking for a fast, filling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few staple ingredients—ground beef, onions, garlic, pasta, cheese, and broth—you can create something that tastes like it came from a cozy family bistro.
Another major bonus? It’s a true one-pan wonder. That means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and more time spent enjoying the meal with family or unwinding after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a household, this dish scales beautifully and reheats like a dream, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
One of the main appeals of this recipe is the harmony of textures and tastes. The ground beef provides a rich, meaty base that’s browned to perfection, releasing savory juices that form the heart of the sauce. The garlic and onion lend aromatic depth, while the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste offer a slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness.
Instead of boiling the pasta separately, the noodles are simmered right in the sauce. This technique allows them to absorb the flavors of the beef and broth, giving every bite an intense depth you can’t achieve with plain boiled pasta. To finish, the dish is folded together with cream and a duo of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The result? A silky, luscious sauce that coats every noodle with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Versatility That Works for Everyone
Another reason why this dish is a keeper is its incredible adaptability. You can easily tweak it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it more wholesome? Swap out traditional pasta for whole wheat or a high-protein variety. Prefer a leaner version? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can even sneak in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Cheese-wise, you’re not limited to cheddar and mozzarella. Pepper Jack can add a spicy kick, Gouda brings smokiness, and even a dollop of cream cheese can elevate the creaminess factor. This flexibility means you can revisit this recipe over and over, and it’ll never feel boring.
Budget-Friendly and Meal-Prep Ready
In today’s economy, budget-friendly meals are more important than ever. This recipe uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients that stretch well, especially when feeding a crowd. A pound of ground beef, a box of pasta, and a bit of cheese can go a long way, especially when enhanced with pantry staples.
And let’s not forget meal prep. One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes just as good the next day. Store it in airtight containers for a grab-and-go lunch, or double the batch and freeze portions for future dinners. It’s an efficient way to cook once and eat multiple times—something that busy families and professionals will absolutely appreciate.
A Family Favorite for All Ages
If you’re feeding picky eaters, this dish is practically a guaranteed hit. Kids love the cheesy richness and soft noodles, while adults appreciate the savory depth and creamy finish. It’s comfort food in its most universal form—familiar, satisfying, and loved by all generations.
Hosting guests? Pair this pasta with a fresh garden salad and warm garlic bread, and you’ve got a low-effort but crowd-pleasing dinner on your hands. It’s cozy enough for winter evenings yet not too heavy for spring and summer gatherings.
Healthier Than You Think (With Smart Tweaks)
While cheesy pasta might not sound like a health food, there are plenty of ways to boost its nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Using lean ground meat and low-sodium broth is a great start. Whole wheat or legume-based pasta increases the fiber and protein content, helping to make the meal more balanced and sustaining.
Adding vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or spinach gives the dish a boost of vitamins and minerals. Even the cheese—often seen as indulgent—offers calcium and protein, especially when used in moderation. The creaminess of the final dish helps with satiety, meaning you’re more likely to feel full and satisfied with one serving.
Why It’s Always a Hit
Ultimately, One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta earns its place on your dinner rotation because it delivers everything a great meal should—flavor, comfort, ease, and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe that makes life easier while still satisfying your cravings. It doesn’t require any fancy tools or advanced techniques, just a bit of chopping, browning, simmering, and stirring.
This is the type of dish that becomes a household classic, one you return to time and time again when you need a sure win at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or just yourself, it never disappoints.
Conclusion
One-Pan Cheesy Beefy Pasta is more than just a convenient dinner option—it’s a flavorful, comforting, and endlessly adaptable dish that checks all the boxes. From its creamy texture and savory depth to its minimal cleanup and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s clear why this meal is a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this pasta promises a satisfying experience from the first bite to the last forkful.
Let this recipe be your go-to for cozy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or simply when you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting. It’s pasta night—made better.