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Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This Rotini Pasta recipe combines lean ground beef with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, simmered together with rotini pasta for a hearty one-pot meal. Topped with melted mozzarella and optional Parmesan and fresh basil, it’s a comforting and easy dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (see note)
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until just browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Spoon out excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for about one minute to develop flavor and aroma.
  3. Spice It Up: Mix in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine the spices evenly through the mixture.
  4. Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked rotini pasta. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer, usually medium to medium-low, so the mixture bubbles steadily without boiling over.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Turn off the burner but leave the pot on the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then cover with a lid for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken as more liquid absorbs into the pasta.
  7. Finish and Serve: Gently toss the pasta to incorporate the melted mozzarella throughout. Season with freshly ground pepper and extra salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust salt according to taste and the saltiness of your broth.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
  • Fresh basil and Parmesan add a nice fresh and savory touch but are optional.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cheesy-rotini-pasta-with-ground-beef-and-tomato-sauce-recipe/