Delicious One Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This creamy, one-pot cheesy ground beef penne comes together in under 30 minutes, cooking the pasta directly in the broth so every bite absorbs maximum flavor.

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 8 oz (approx. 2 cups) uncooked penne pasta

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-mozzarella blend)

• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking the meat into bite-sized crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

3. Simmer the pasta: Pour in the beef broth, milk (or heavy cream), and uncooked penne. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Cook until tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom, until the penne is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Melt the cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time until completely melted and a thick, velvety sauce coats the noodles.

6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or freshly cracked pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm straight from the pot.