Introduction:
Are you looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious weeknight dinner? This Cheesy Ground Beef Rotini Pasta is the ultimate solution. Packed with savory beef, perfectly cooked spiral pasta, and a blanket of melted mozzarella, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving a warm, cheesy meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Pasta: 12 oz Rotini (spiral) pasta.
Meat: 1 lb Ground beef (lean).
Sauce: 2 cups of marinara sauce (or tomato basil sauce) and ½ cup of heavy cream (for that creamy texture).
Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
Aromatics: 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Garnish: Fresh chives or parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Instructions
Boil the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onions until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Season & Simmer: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well until every spiral is coated.
The Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Serve: Top with fresh chives, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and serve warm with a side of garlic bread.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories | 480 kcal |
Protein | 32g |
Total Fat | 22g |
Net Carbs | 38g |
(FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, penne or bow-tie pasta also works perfectly for this recipe.
2. How can I make this dish healthier? You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber.
3. Can I store leftovers? Yes! This pasta tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
“The only pasta recipe you’ll ever need! Cheesy, creamy, and ready in 20 minutes. Tag someone who loves cheese! “
