Kid Friendly Cheesy Pasta Dinner Recipe
Introduction
This cheesy pasta and beef skillet is a quick and comforting dinner that kids will adore. Packed with flavorful ingredients and gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef with the chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and onions are soft.
- Step 2: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir well to combine with the beef and onions.
- Step 3: Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Step 5: Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy a comforting cheesy meal that kids will love.
Tips & Variations
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or spinach when browning the beef.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked pasta in this recipe?
This recipe calls for cooked pasta to ensure proper texture. Using uncooked pasta would require extra cooking time and liquid, so it’s best to cook the pasta separately beforehand.
What kind of cheese works best here?
Shredded cheddar or a mild mozzarella melt well and appeal to kids, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melty cheese for different flavors.
PrintKid Friendly Cheesy Pasta Dinner Recipe
This kid-friendly cheesy pasta dinner combines ground beef, tender onions, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese to create a comforting, easy-to-make meal that children will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is flavorful, hearty, and quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef along with the chopped onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, mixing well to combine with the beef and onions, and cook for another 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to distribute it evenly throughout the beef and tomato mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pasta mixture in the skillet.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire dish to enhance the flavors.
- Cover and melt cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy pasta warm, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Notes
- Use any type of shredded cheese your kids prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Cook your pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
Keywords: kid friendly dinner, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy family meal, quick dinner
