Name: Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon ketchup; ½ teaspoon mustard; 1½ cups elbow macaroni; 3½ cups low sodium beef broth; ¾ cup sour cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; fresh parsley, to garnish

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both hearty and cheesy, this Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly the kind of dish that hits the spot. It’s like that trusty homemade Hamburger Helper but so much better, packed with bold flavors and made from scratch.

The image shows a close-up of a pot filled with macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat and a creamy sauce. The dish has small elbow macaroni pieces that are light yellow and soft, mixed evenly with crumbled, cooked ground meat in brown color. The creamy sauce coats the pasta and meat, giving a slightly shiny and thick texture. A black spoon with a wooden handle is scooping a portion of the mixture from the pot. The pot is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became a family favorite in my house—I love how easy it is to pull together on a busy night without sacrificing any flavor. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy dinner.

Simple and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together creating rich, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.
Comfort Classic: Combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Flavor Packed: Seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, and more to elevate this humble pasta.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes a world of difference here. I recommend using freshly shredded sharp cheddar for that creamy, melty texture and lean ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and fat.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small pile of finely chopped white onion, a handful of uncooked elbow macaroni, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of rich brown beef broth, a small heap of fresh green parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of yellow mustard powder, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
Lean ground beef: The star protein—keeps the dish hearty without too much grease.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
Smoked paprika: Gives that subtle smoky undertone reminiscent of classic comfort food.
Onion: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed.
Chili powder: Provides warmth and a touch of heat.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the savory profile with aromatic flavor.
Ketchup: A hint of tangy sweetness that balances the beef nicely.
Mustard: Adds a slight tang and complexity.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully.
Low sodium beef broth: The liquid base that cooks the pasta and enriches the beef flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Sour cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The cheesy heart of this dish—use fresh shredded for best melt and flavor.
Fresh parsley: A fresh, bright finish to cut through the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste or what you have in the pantry. Whether you want to add a bit of heat, swap out ingredients to fit dietary preferences, or boost it with veggies, this dish welcomes your personal touch!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes right when I season the onions — it gives the dish a gentle warmth that wakes up the flavors beautifully without overpowering the creamy cheddar sauce.
Veggie Boost: To sneak in some extra greens, I sometimes stir in a handful of fresh spinach or diced bell peppers during the last five minutes of simmering. It adds color, texture, and nutrition without complicating the recipe.
Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is my go-to for that rich, tangy flavor and meltability, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or a little smoked Gouda for something different.
Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free elbow macaroni works just as well — just watch the cooking time since gluten-free pasta can cook a bit faster or need a touch more liquid.
Make it Lighter: For a lighter take, swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese. The dish stays creamy and satisfying without being too heavy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers of elbow macaroni and a creamy brown sauce mixed with small pieces of cooked meat, all topped with finely chopped green herbs. The creamy sauce lightly coats the pasta, giving it a soft texture with spots of rich brown from the meat. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a white and black striped cloth napkin, with a large white pot blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Seasoned Ground Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of lean ground beef along with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. You'll notice that rich, savory aroma that comes from those spices mingling with the beef—it's the foundation of our dish’s deep flavor.

Step 2: Soften and Season the Onions

Next, stir in 1 finely chopped onion to the beef. Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle 1 teaspoon chili powder and ½ teaspoon garlic powder over the mixture. Cook while stirring often until the onions turn tender and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds layers of flavor, bringing in just the right balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids

Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in 1 tablespoon ketchup, ½ teaspoon mustard, 1½ cups of elbow macaroni, and 3½ cups of low sodium beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated and submerged in the flavorful liquid. This creates the base for a creamy, cheesy pasta in just one pot.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the elbow macaroni is cooked to al dente. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but still has a little bite—it should not be mushy. This slow simmer melds the flavors and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Creaminess and Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in ¾ cup sour cream until fully incorporated. Slowly sprinkle in 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously. This careful method helps create a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce. Be patient here—keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce clings beautifully to every bit of pasta and beef.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, sprinkle some freshly minced parsley on top for a lovely burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve your Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta piping hot and enjoy the comfort of this easy, satisfying one-pan meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious that everyone will love.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on kitchen experience and can really boost your Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe, helping you get the creamiest, most flavorful dish every time.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: I always shred my own sharp cheddar cheese because it melts better and creates that smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.
Simmer Gently: >Keeping the heat moderate when simmering the pasta ensures it cooks evenly without sticking or burning to the pan.
Stir Continuously When Adding Cheese: Slowly stirring in the cheese off the heat helps avoid separation and makes a luscious sauce.
Adjust Broth for Pasta Type: If you swap elbow macaroni for bigger pasta shapes, don’t forget to add a touch more broth to give the noodles enough liquid to cook through perfectly.

How to Serve Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe

A large white pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni mixed evenly with browned ground meat sauce, showing a rich brown color with small bits of onion and herbs mixed throughout. The sauce looks creamy and coats the pasta and meat well, with a slight shine. A black spoon with a light wooden handle is partially submerged on the right side, stirring the dish. The inside of the pot shows some sauce stains along the sides, and the pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors. For a little extra zing, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few crushed red pepper flakes on top works wonders. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream to each serving to amplify the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the hearty and cheesy nature of the dish beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps your Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe tasting fresh and delicious for several meals after your initial dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even warming and to maintain that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne or shells work great. Just keep in mind you might need to add a bit more beef broth or water while cooking to ensure they cook properly. Avoid long thin noodles like spaghetti or angel hair, as they won’t hold up well in this recipe.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can easily add heat by including a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce when seasoning the beef. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can make the dish ahead of time and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat gently when ready to eat to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to avoid clumpy cheese sauce?

Once the pasta is cooked and removed from heat, stir the sour cream in thoroughly before adding the shredded sharp cheddar little by little while continuously stirring. This gentle method prevents the cheese from clumping and creates that perfect creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cheddar Beef Pasta Recipe brings the comfort of a classic family meal with a delicious homemade twist. It’s quick, easy, and packed with rich, cheesy flavor that hits just the right spot after a busy day. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a favorite in your home — enjoy every creamy, hearty bite!