Family's Favorite Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat content.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: elbow macaroni

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while elbow macaroni is usually cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture in a large bowl.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens