There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta to end a long day. It’s the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes: warm, hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor — and best of all? It’s made in just one pot.
This is one of my favorite go-to meals when I need a quick, satisfying dinner with ground beef that the whole family will actually look forward to. It's simple, budget-friendly, and done in 30 minutes or less. Total win!
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- One pan or large skillet = super easy cleanup
- Done in under 30 minutes
- Great for picky eaters and hungry teens
- Made with affordable ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner
Ingredients
- Ground beef – The hearty base that brings richness and protein.
- Montreal Steak Spice – A bold blend of garlic, black pepper, paprika, and other spices that brings out the best in the beef. It adds a little smoky depth and just enough kick to wake up the flavors.
- Pasta – Quick-cooking and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Corn – Adds a little pop of sweetness and color.
- Green onions – A mild onion flavor that brightens everything up.
- Marinara sauce – A flavorful upgrade from plain tomato sauce. It’s packed with herbs, garlic, and tomatoes — giving this dish a bold, comforting base.
- Bone Broth - Used instead of water for yummy flavor and extra protein. It adds depth to the sauce and makes the whole dish more nourishing.
- Colby Jack Cheese – Because a cheesy pasta dinner is always a good idea.
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with Montreal Steak Spice over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, if desised.
2. Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the pasta, corn, green onions, water, and sauce. Mix well.
3. Simmer
Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the pasta is tender.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Let it melt for a minute or two, then serve warm.
Variations & Tips
This recipe is super flexible - Make It Your Own! Try these fun twists:
- Spicy Kick: Use hot salsa or add red pepper flakes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream.
- Different Pasta: Swap pasta for rotini, egg noddles or penne if desired.
- Swap proteins: Use ground turkey or Mild Italian Sausage.
- Add veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or black beans.
Serving Ideas
This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few tasty sides:
- Best Caesar Salad
- Same Day Sourdough Focaccia Bread
- Pomegranate Kale Salad
- Colorful Cucumber Tomato Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Rotini, penne, or shells all work well. Just adjust cook time if needed.
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even mild Italian sausage work well.
Absolutely! Just drain off any extra fat after browning to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles. The cooking time might be slightly different, so watch closely.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering sauce.
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or black beans are great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.
You sure can! Make it completely, then place in the air tight container, freeze for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Portion leftovers into meal prep containers while it’s still warm (but not steaming hot). It holds up well for 3 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
It might soften a bit, but reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth helps keep them tasty.
More Ground Beef Recipes
- Beef & Pork Dumpling
- Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
- Stuffed Bell Peppers Instant Pot
- Beef Samosa (Tortilla Pockets)
- Italian Sausage Soup
- Juicy Beef Sliders with Sausage & Cheese
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📖 Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet large
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef extra lean
- 2 teaspoons Montreal Steak Spice or to taste
- 2 cups pasta uncooked
- 1 cup corn frozen
- 1 cup bone broth or water
- 20 oz Marinara sauce or any pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 cup green onion more for garnish
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese or sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with Montreal Steak Spice until browned and flavorful. Drain any excess fat, if desired.
- Add the Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the uncooked pasta, frozen corn, bone broth, and marinara sauce. Mix everything together so the pasta is fully coated and ready to soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and hearty. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish with Cheese & Green Onion: Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese and sliced green onions over the pasta. Stir gently and let the cheese melt for a minute or two until creamy, gooey, and ready to serve.
Notes
- First things first: let that ground beef brown nicely before draining. A bit of golden crust = a ton of flavor in your final dish.
- I like to use a deep skillet or sauté pan with high sides. It gives everything room to simmer without bubbling over — especially helpful if you're a multitasker like me.
- Give the pasta a stir every few minutes while it simmers.
- Cooking for a hungry crew? You can easily stretch this by adding extra noodles and extra sauce or a bit of broth to keep it saucy.
- Cheese lovers — go wild. Stir a little extra shredded cheese into the pasta before topping it, or mix in mozzarella for an ultra-melty finish.
- This recipe makes excellent leftovers. I often portion it out into containers right away for quick lunches throughout the week. It tastes amazing with a fried egg.
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