Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups uncooked short pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or white cheddar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Build the Base: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Add the Cheese: Turn off heat. Stir in mozzarella and provolone until melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use any short pasta you have on hand—shells, penne, rotini, etc.
- Add mushrooms, hot sauce, or jalapeños for variations.
- Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a creamier result, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Make it gluten-free by using GF pasta and sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg