If you are craving a rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you will absolutely adore this Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine tender rotini pasta perfectly cooked right in a savory tomato and beef broth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, then crowned with generous melty mozzarella that pulls you in with every cheesy bite. This dish brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the comforting chew of rotini, and that irresistible gooey cheese, all balanced with vibrant tomato flavors. It’s a great weeknight dinner that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare—trust me, this one deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of kitchen staples that work magic together. Each ingredient plays a key role—ground beef lends savory depth, tomato paste and crushed tomatoes create a rich, tangy base, and the mozzarella finishes it off with luxurious creaminess. Let’s dive into the essentials that bring this dish to life!
- 1 pound lean ground beef: For juicy, flavorful protein that forms the base of the dish without being greasy.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a slight sweetness and rich body.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic punch and depth to the savory sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering with fresh onion chunks.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity from tomatoes, creating a smooth, well-rounded taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy herb flavor foundational in Italian dishes.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds complex herbal aromas, tying the flavors together nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (see note): Vital for amplifying all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat kick for those who like a little spice.
- 3 cups beef broth: Adds depth and richness, making the pasta deeply flavorful as it cooks.
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the saucy heart of the dish with sweet and tangy tomato goodness.
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta: The star pasta shape here, with great texture and plenty of nooks for sauce to cling to.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, delicious pockets of cheese that bring comfort to every forkful.
- Pepper (optional, to taste): Adds mild heat and depth, customizable per your preference.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil (optional, for serving): Those finishing touches add bright freshness and a salty kick.
How to Make Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by adding the lean ground beef to a large soup pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart gently with your spoon so it browns evenly and releases its meaty flavor. This step should take about 7 to 8 minutes, and don’t hesitate to spoon out any excess fat for a lighter dish. This foundational layer packs in the savory goodness you crave.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. These two ingredients will bloom in the heat, releasing rich tomato sweetness combined with that distinct garlicky aroma. Cook them together for about a minute, letting the flavors meld and become even more irresistible.
Step 3: Season It Up
This is where the flavor gets complex and delightful: mix in the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and if you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Each seasoning layer brings its own character, turning your pot into an Italian-inspired symphony of taste.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, increasing the heat to high so the mixture comes to a lively boil. This liquid will cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor, while also creating a slightly thickened, saucy environment.
Step 5: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Now it’s time to add the rotini pasta directly into the pot. Stir well and let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and keep the pasta evenly coated with that delicious, flavorful liquid. Don’t forget to adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer rather than a wild boil. This careful simmering lets the pasta soak up all those savory juices without getting mushy.
Step 6: Melt in the Mozzarella
When the pasta is perfectly tender, turn off the burner but leave the pot on the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta, then close the lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes. This resting time lets the cheese create those lovely gooey pockets and gives the sauce time to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Gently toss your pasta so the mozzarella blends throughout, creating creamy ribbons of cheese in every bite. Taste and season with freshly ground pepper and a touch more salt if needed. For an extra special finish, serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you have it on hand. Now you’re ready to dive into your comforting bowl of Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe!
How to Serve Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a few thoughtful garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds an extra layer of salty, nutty flavor that complements the melted mozzarella beautifully. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness, making every bite feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta stands well on its own, but pairing it with a few sides makes the meal even more special. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness on the plate, while garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette can help scoop up every last bit of that cheesy tomato goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual oven-safe bowls and warm the mozzarella under the broiler until golden and bubbly for a stunning effect. Alternatively, layer it in a casserole dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake for 10 minutes for a comforting baked pasta bake. Either way, presentation adds an extra wow factor to your Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta is almost as good as fresh and stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and texture if reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a future meal, this dish freezes nicely. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce and revive the creamy texture of the mozzarella. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This keeps your Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe tasting just as comforting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the sauce in this recipe, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would also work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian and still full of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, try to eat it freshly made or store leftovers as suggested and reheat gently.
How spicy is the crushed red pepper in this dish?
The pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is mild and optional; it adds a subtle heat that complements the savory flavors without overpowering the dish. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer no spice or add more if you like it hot!
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella is ideal because it melts evenly without releasing too much liquid, keeping the pasta creamy and luscious. Fresh mozzarella can be used but might require extra draining and a different melting approach.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavors that bring comfort and joy to any mealtime. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become one of your all-time favorite go-to dinners. Once you dive into that cheesy, flavorful goodness, I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!
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Hearty Rotini Pasta with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Rotini Pasta recipe features lean ground beef simmered with a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spices. The pasta is cooked directly in the savory broth and tomato mixture, creating a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal topped with melted mozzarella and optional parmesan and fresh basil for added freshness.
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
To Serve (Optional)
- Pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until just browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Spoon out any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute to enhance the flavors and caramelize the tomato paste.
- Season the Mixture: Incorporate the onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to distribute all the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked rotini pasta. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer—medium or medium-low—to avoid boiling over while ensuring even cooking.
- Melt Cheese: Turn off the burner while leaving the pot on it. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then close the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens further by absorbing more liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Gently toss the pasta to incorporate the melted mozzarella throughout. Season with pepper and additional salt as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to your dietary needs or the saltiness of your broth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional for a little heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash of water or broth as needed.
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat, but you can drain more fat after browning if you prefer a leaner meal.
