Cheesy Pasta with Beef
Cheesy pasta with beef is the ultimate comfort
food, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and hearty beef for a satisfying
meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to
be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Cheesy Pasta with Beef,
you’ll need:
For the Pasta:
- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling
water)
- 4 cups water (for boiling
pasta)
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 250g ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
(optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
For the Cheese
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional,
for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for
extra warmth)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make a delightful cheesy
pasta with beef:
Step 1: Cooking the
Pasta
1.
Boil water in a
large pot, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al
dente.
2.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing
the Beef Sauce
1.
Heat olive oil in a
pan over medium heat.
2.
Sauté onions until
soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3.
Add ground beef,
breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
4.
Season with salt,
pepper, chili flakes, oregano, and paprika.
5.
Stir in tomato
sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
6.
Simmer for 10-15
minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Making the
Cheese Sauce
1.
Melt butter in a
saucepan over medium heat.
2.
Stir in flour and
cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3.
Gradually whisk in
milk, ensuring no lumps form.
4.
Once thickened, add
cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
5.
Stir until melted
and smooth. Add mustard powder and nutmeg.
Step 4: Combining
Everything
1.
Add the cooked pasta
to the beef sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
2.
Pour in the cheese
sauce and mix well.
3.
Let everything cook
together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serving
1.
Garnish with extra
cheese and fresh parsley.
2.
Serve hot and enjoy
the cheesy, beefy goodness!
Tips for the Best
Cheesy Pasta with Beef
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It
melts better and enhances flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente:
Prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with sauce.
- Season the Beef Well:
Proper seasoning enhances the overall taste.
- Let the Sauce Simmer:
Allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Pasta with Beef is a decadent
and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for
family or indulging yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!