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A serving spoon lifting a generous portion of cheesy ground beef and pasta casserole from a pink skillet.

Ultimate Ground Beef Recipes Guide: Ingredients, Temps, Tips

A comprehensive guide to preparing delicious and versatile ground beef dishes, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. This recipe focuses on a comforting pasta bake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Pasta Cooking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Bake
  • 1 pkg uncooked shell-shaped pasta 16 oz.
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion from 1 large
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 tsp seasoned salt such as Lawry's
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 1/4 lb ground chuck
  • 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz processed cheese such as Velveeta, cubed
  • 8 oz extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded about 2 cups
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Equipment

  • Large high-sided skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Keep warm and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the onion begins to soften.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it is brown and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Stir in the milk. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Gradually stir in the processed cheese and Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is great for meal prep and can be frozen for later. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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