Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta delivers big flavor in minutes. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times. The trick I discovered is using a slow cooker for perfect texture. Creamy, melty, and deeply savory. Try my Cheeseburger Pie recipe for a twist. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Homemade Cheeseburger Pie Recipe and Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls.
Why This Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta Is Pure Comfort
- Hearty comfort food
- Easy weeknight meal
- No cleanup needed
- Perfect for families
What You'll Need for Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Additional mozzarella
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Extra Parmesan
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and texture.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a quality brand for rich flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella: Use pre-shredded for convenience, or shred fresh.
- Elbow pasta: Use regular or whole wheat, depending on preference.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Ensures even cooking and tender meat. → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Guards against undercooked meat. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add to crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta and cheese: Stir in the elbow pasta and shredded mozzarella. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Finish and serve: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the Parmesan. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
- Best technique: Brown the beef first for better flavor and texture.
- Common mistake and fix: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer on the stove after cooking.
- Best time to cook: Make this recipe in the morning for a ready-to-eat dinner.
- Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine when browning the beef.
- Best substitution: Replace mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the pasta is too dry, add more broth or water before cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Crockpot — Ensures even cooking and tender meat. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Additional mozzarella
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add to crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta and cheese: Stir in the elbow pasta and shredded mozzarella. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Finish and serve: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the Parmesan. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine when browning the beef.
- Best substitution: Replace mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the pasta is too dry, add more broth or water before cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sat. Fat: 12g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta FAQs
Yes, assemble the dish in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day.
If the sauce is too thin, add more broth or water before cooking. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged.
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Yes, mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Use lean ground beef and low-sodium sauce. Add more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cheesy Beef Pasta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
