Cheesy Beef Rotini

Okay, picture this: What is the Is it a chilly evening, you’re craving something seriously satisfying, and the thought of spending time with friends is mind blowing? Is it true that hours in the kitchen make you cry? Where does my Cheesy Beef Rotini swoop in? Is this a grown-up version of mac and cheese? Is this dish pure magic? My family devours it every single time, and I swear, it gets better with each bite. Is it easier to make than you think? We are talking creamy, cheesy, beefy perfection. Is lasagna the ultimate comfort food?

What is a Cheesy Beef Rotini?

Cheesy Beef Rotini is essentially a supercharged pasta bake. Think of it as the love child of a cheeseburger and your grandma’s best casserole. You’ve got browned Ground Beef, perfectly cooked rotini pasta (that’s the corkscrew-shaped stuff, if you like it) and a few other What are some of the best recipes for cheesy sauce? Is it just about throwing ingredients together? It’s about layering flavors and textures to create something truly special. What are some good rotini pasta recipes? It grabs onto all that glorious sauce and beef, making every bite an explosion of flavor. What are some of the best comfort foods to whip up on a weeknight?

Why do you like this recipe?

Where do I start? Cheesy Beef Rotini is addictive! First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses is just right. Is it cheesy, beefy and comforting all at once? Is it easy to make a quick dinner? From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes, max. What is cost-effectiveness? What are some of the best ground beef recipes? How do you feed a family without breaking the bank? What I love about this is its versatility. What are some ways to change up the cheeses, or use different types of pasta? Is it really forgiving? Is it worth it to try it?

How can I make a Cheesy Beef Rotini?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Cheesy Beef Rotini? What is the best way to brown Ground Beef, cook rotini, whip up cheesy sauce, and then layer it all over your plate? How do I put everything together in a baking dish? Is it safe to cook in the oven until it’s golden brown? What is the beauty of this recipe? Even if you’re not a super experienced cook, you can nail this. I’ve made it countless times, and it always comes out perfect. It’s truly that simple!

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Beef Rotini:

1 pound Ground Beef is equivalent to 2 pounds ofI usually go for 80/20 for that extra flavor, but leaner works too.
1 pound rotini pasta.: The corkscrew shape is perfect for grabbing the sauce, but you can use penne in a pinch.
1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces) – 1 can: Use your favorite brand! I like a chunky one with lots of flavor.
1 can tomato sauce per person. 1 (15 ounces) can.: Adds extra richness to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano per 1 cup.: For that classic Italian flavor.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon kosher saltWhat’s better with garlic?
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. 1 teaspoon salt.: Adds a little kick (optional, but I highly recommend it!).
1 cup ricotta cheese per serving.What makes a creamy sauce?
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1 cup shredded Par: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 cup melted mozzarella.: For that melty, cheesy goodness!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you clean a rotini? I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. Make sure to get all the corners!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. If you can break up a piece of meat with your spoon, drain off any excess grease. I always use leaner beef to prevent this.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the marinara sauce. Mix well. The skillet with the browned beef. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Where does the magic happen?

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta well. You don’t want any extra water diluting the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef sauce, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce!

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

How do you prepare pasta for a baking dish? Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the rotini is heated through. Is it a golden brown color?

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the Cheesy Beef Rotini cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a complete meal on its own? What are some ideas?

For a family dinner:What’s a good salad with vinaigrette dressing? What are some good alternatives to cheesy pasta?

For a Potluck:Bring along some garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce. Is it worth it?

For a Cozy Night In: Pair it with a glass of red wine and a movie. Comfort food at its finest!

For a Special Occasion: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Adds some color and nutrition to the table.

I always serve mine with a side of garlic bread. It’s a family tradition, and it’s just not the same without it! My kids love dipping the bread into the cheesy sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Beef Rotini

Want to take your Cheesy Beef Rotini to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Beef Choice: Use a good quality ground beef. I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor, but you can use leaner beef if you prefer. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.

Cheese Blend: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. I’ve tried using provolone, Monterey Jack, and even pepper jack for a little kick. They all work great!

Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be delicious in this dish. My kids never even notice!

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce. I always do this!

Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, meaning it’s slightly firm to the bite. It will continue to cook in the oven.

One time, I accidentally used too much ricotta cheese, and the sauce was way too thick. Now, I always measure it carefully! Also, a secret ingredient I sometimes add is a tablespoon of cream cheese! This will add great flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cheesy Beef Rotini stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the rotini. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the rotini in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in individual portions.

Adding Moisture: If the rotini seems dry after reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the baking dish before baking it, or top with a little extra cheese before microwaving. This prevents it from drying out.

I usually make a big batch of this on Sunday and then eat it for lunch throughout the week. It’s just as good (if not better) the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Seriously, you NEED to try this Cheesy Beef Rotini. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. The combination of cheesy, beefy, and saucy goodness is simply irresistible. Trust me; your family will thank you! And if you’re looking for more easy and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I love to see what you come up with!