Name: Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs ground beef (85% lean); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons flour (optional, helps thicken the sauce); 16 oz tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup half and half (half cream, half milk); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ pound rotini pasta

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If you are on the hunt for a hearty, comforting meal that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, you have got to try this Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe. Picture tender ground beef simmered in a luscious tomato sauce, enhanced by creamy cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The combination is pure comfort food magic that warms you from the inside out. It’s a straightforward dish, but every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that mouthwatering harmony of taste, texture, and color you’ll want again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a cooking pot. The left photo has browned ground meat mixed with chopped white onions in a silver pan with a black slotted spoon resting inside. The mixture is chunky with some pieces of meat and diced onions visible. The right photo shows the same ground meat now fully cooked in a thick red tomato sauce, giving it a textured and slightly lumpy look with a red spatula stirring it. Both photos are set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right is all about combining simple, quality ingredients that pack a punch. Each component not only layers in flavor but also adds to the dish’s beautiful balance of creaminess, tang, and heartiness.

1 + ½ lbs. ground beef (85% lean): Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein, perfect for the base of this pasta dish.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch, rounding out the savory profile.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens and complements the tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomato.
3 Tablespoons flour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect, velvety consistency without heaviness.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an unexpected umami depth that rounds out the beefiness.
16 oz tomato sauce: The foundation of the sauce, bringing tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while adding savory flavor complexity.
½ cup half and half: Creates a rich, creamy texture that softens the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending sharpness and gooey comfort.
½ pound Rotini pasta: Its spirals are perfect for trapping the cheesy tomato sauce with every bite.

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Creamy Ingredients

Before you start cooking, shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside alongside the half and half. Bringing these to room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly into the warm sauce later, preventing clumps and ensuring luscious creaminess.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Crumble it up as it cooks, and after a few minutes, toss in the diced onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions have softened into sweet, translucent jewels. This step builds the savory backbone of the recipe.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flavor Enhancers

Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from feeling oily. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt—this is the moment the sauce’s aroma really starts to pop! Then stir in the kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, and flour, cooking for a few more minutes to develop flavor and eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Create the Tomato Base

Pour in the chicken broth, using a silicone spatula to scrape every flavorful bit off the bottom of the pan. Next, add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes. This slow simmer deepens the sauce’s flavor and thickens it slightly.

Step 5: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 7 minutes, until al dente—the perfect texture to soak up the sauce without turning mushy.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Slowly pour in the half and half, stirring as you go to create a creamy texture. Reduce the heat to low and gently sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to melt the cheese evenly, creating a silky, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce to Serve

Drain the cooked rotini and fold it into the rich sauce. Give everything one final stir to coat the pasta evenly with that irresistible cheddar-tomato goodness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture—dinner is ready!

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows two views of a white pot on a white marbled surface. In the first view, a shiny, thick, orange tomato sauce fills the pot, with cooked, yellow spiral pasta stacked neatly on top and a red spatula resting on the right side. In the second view, the pasta is mixed evenly into the sauce, turning the spirals a rich orange color as they soak up the sauce, with the red spatula still in the same position, moving the creamy, textured mixture. The light highlights the smooth sauce and the pasta’s spirals well, emphasizing the creamy and hearty look of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce. For an added touch, grate a little extra cheddar on top while the dish is still hot so it melts slightly, giving that gorgeous cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also make a fantastic, colorful complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs and a quick broil for a golden crust. Alternatively, layer the pasta into a baking dish, top with extra cheddar, and bake for a casserole-style meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. To avoid texture changes, store the pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and enjoy within 2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up, bringing back that creamy, cheesy consistency like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect because its spirals hold the sauce well, you can easily substitute penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain the right texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use gluten-free pasta. The dish will be just as delicious with these adjustments.

Can I make this recipe without half and half?

You can substitute half and half with whole milk or cream, depending on your preference. Whole milk will make the sauce a bit lighter, while cream will make it richer and more decadent.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

This Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the beef cooking step is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and flavors. Just sauté them along with the onions until tender.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. It combines the best of comfort food elements in a simple, yet special way. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, it’s a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and treat yourself to a warm, cheesy bowl of happiness—you deserve it!