Print

Kid Friendly Cheesy Pasta Dinner Recipe

4.7 from 143 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Combine pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to distribute it evenly throughout the beef and tomato mixture.
  4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pasta mixture in the skillet.
  5. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire dish to enhance the flavors.
  6. 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.
  7. 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