Name: Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp basil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 8 oz pasta of choice (e.g., farfalle); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

Description

The Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet is a hearty and delightful dish that merges the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta in one simple skillet meal. This recipe shines a light on traditional comfort food by incorporating a mix of savory herbs and spices, tender pasta, and a duo of creamy cheeses. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish promises a satisfying dinner that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
8 oz pasta of choice (e.g., farfalle)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef In a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain and set aside the beef, keeping 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Include the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 3: Make the Roux Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring continuously for about a minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Boil Gradually pour in the beef broth, ensuring to stir constantly to mix the roux smoothly into the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Spices Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta Add the pasta ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Add Cream and Cheese Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Velveeta. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and uniform.
Step 8: Combine and Serve Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stir to combine everything well, and continue cooking for about 2 minutes to reheat the beef. Serve the cheesy skillet hot and enjoy!