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Ground Beef Pasta with Cheddar and Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4 from 36 reviews

A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Pasta recipe featuring tender rotini tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Sauce and Dairy

  • 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

Pasta

  • ½ pound rotini pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese and Half and Half: Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside along with the half and half. Keeping these ingredients at room temperature ensures they incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onions: Over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it starts to brown. Add the diced onions halfway through this process and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Drain Grease and Add Garlic: Drain excess grease from the skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Add Seasonings and Flour: Sprinkle in the kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Stir well to combine and cook for 3 minutes. This helps remove the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce later.
  5. Incorporate Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan with a silicone spatula to lift any browned bits. Add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
  6. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 7 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Add Dairy to Sauce: Slowly stir the half and half into the sauce to create a creamy texture. Reduce heat to low, and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using 85% lean ground beef balances flavor and fat content for a juicy sauce.
  • The flour is optional but recommended to achieve a thicker sauce consistency.
  • Room temperature half and half and cheese blend more easily without clumping.
  • Scraping the bottom of the pan after adding broth helps incorporate all the flavorful bits.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a full meal.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/ground-beef-pasta-with-cheddar-and-tomato-sauce-recipe/