Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta recipe combines tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all brought together with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz rotini pasta
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: Add 1 lb ground beef, diced onion, and diced green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of tomato sauce. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook 8 oz rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and incorporates fully into the dish.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the cheesy beef pasta to plates or bowls and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with another pasta shape if preferred.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste, especially if using low-sodium tomato products.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when adding Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
