Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta Recipe

From chaotic weeknights to cozy weekends, finding a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare is always a win in my book. And let me tell you, this Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta has become an absolute lifesaver and a family favourite in our home. The first time I made it, I was a bit skeptical – could everything really cook together in one pan and taste amazing? The answer, emphatically, is YES! The pasta emerges perfectly cooked, coated in a rich, flavourful sauce, and the cheesy topping is just the right amount of indulgence. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it, and my partner even went back for seconds (and thirds!). Clean-up is a breeze, which is a huge bonus on busy evenings. Honestly, if you’re searching for a fuss-free, delicious, and family-friendly meal, look no further. This one-pan wonder is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity, both in method and ingredients. You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry and refrigerator. Using quality ingredients will elevate the dish, but even with budget-friendly choices, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and cheesy one-pan pasta masterpiece:

• 500g Beef Mince (Ground Beef): The heart of our dish, beef mince provides a rich, savory flavour and hearty protein. Opt for mince with a lower fat content (around 5-10%) to avoid excess grease in your final pasta. If you prefer, you can substitute with lamb mince, pork mince, or even a mix for a different flavour profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based mince alternative.
• 1 Large Onion: Onion forms the aromatic base of our sauce, adding depth and sweetness. Brown or yellow onions are ideal for their balanced flavour that becomes sweeter as they cook. Dice the onion finely to ensure it cooks evenly and melds seamlessly into the sauce.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic: Garlic is essential for that pungent, savory kick that complements the beef and cheese beautifully. Fresh garlic is always preferred for the best flavour, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar. Adjust the amount to your preference – if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
• 400g Chopped Tomatoes (Tinned): Tinned chopped tomatoes form the liquid and tomato base of our sauce. Choose good quality tinned tomatoes for the best flavour. Diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even whole peeled tomatoes (which you can crush yourself) will work. For a richer tomato flavour, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
• 500ml Beef Broth (Stock): Beef broth adds another layer of savory depth and provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta directly in the sauce. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Vegetable broth can be substituted if you prefer a lighter flavour or are using a plant-based mince.
• 300g Dried Pasta (Short Shape): Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni are ideal for this one-pan pasta. They cook evenly in the sauce and hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine as they can be more difficult to cook evenly in a one-pan method.
• 150g Cheddar Cheese (Grated): Cheddar cheese provides that classic, sharp cheesy flavour we all crave. Mature or strong cheddar will give a more pronounced cheesy taste. You can use pre-grated cheese for convenience, or grate your own for potentially better melting and flavour.
• 100g Mozzarella Cheese (Grated): Mozzarella adds that lovely stringy, melted cheese texture that makes this pasta so irresistible. Full-fat mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey cheese pull. Low-moisture mozzarella is also a good option.
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a flavour booster, adding concentrated tomato richness and depth to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and enhance the overall tomato flavour.
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme adds aromatic complexity to the pasta. You can use a pre-mixed Italian herb blend or create your own using individual dried herbs. Fresh herbs can also be used; add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavour.
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavour of the sauce. Don’t worry, it won’t make the pasta sweet; it simply rounds out the taste.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavours in the dish. Season generously to taste throughout the cooking process.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onion and garlic at the start. It adds flavour and helps to prevent sticking. You can substitute with other cooking oils like vegetable oil or canola oil if needed.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil – these are all optional garnishes to elevate the presentation and add a final touch of flavour.

Instructions

This one-pan pasta method is all about layering flavours and cooking everything together efficiently. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and fuss-free meal:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. This step is crucial as it releases the onion’s flavour and creates the base for your sauce. Don’t rush this step; softened onions contribute significantly to the overall taste.
2. Brown the Mince: Add the beef mince to the pan with the softened onions. Increase the heat to medium-high and break up the mince with a wooden spoon. Cook until the mince is browned all over, ensuring there are no pink bits remaining. Browning the mince adds depth of flavour through the Maillard reaction. Drain off any excess grease from the pan if necessary. This prevents the pasta from becoming oily.
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Cooking the garlic briefly releases its aroma without burning it. Tomato paste needs a little cooking time to caramelize and deepen its flavour.
4. Introduce the Tomato Base and Broth: Pour in the tinned chopped tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and sugar. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Simmering allows the flavours to meld together before adding the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed at this stage.
5. Add the Pasta and Cook: Add the dried pasta to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little extra broth or water to ensure the pasta is covered. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used, so check for doneness. The liquid should be absorbed by the pasta and create a rich sauce.
6. Preheat the Grill (Broiler): While the pasta is cooking, preheat your grill (broiler) to high heat. Position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
7. Cheese it Up!: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and remove the lid. Stir through half of the grated cheddar and half of the grated mozzarella cheese until melted and incorporated into the pasta. This creates a creamy, cheesy sauce from within.
8. Top with Remaining Cheese and Grill: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the pan under the preheated grill (broiler) for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Grilling adds that delicious melted and slightly browned cheese topping that takes this pasta to the next level.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the pasta to cool down to a comfortable eating temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate values – may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Servings: 6
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 550-650 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving:

• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 25-30g (depending on mince fat content and cheese type)
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fiber: 5-7g
• Sugar: 8-10g (naturally occurring and added sugar)
• Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on broth and cheese choices)

Note: These are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fats. To make it healthier, you can use leaner mince, reduce the amount of cheese, and increase the vegetable content by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (sautéing, simmering, grilling)
• Total Time: 45 minutes

This Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The majority of the time is hands-off cooking, allowing you to multitask or relax while dinner practically cooks itself. You can further reduce prep time by using pre-chopped vegetables or pre-grated cheese.

How to Serve

This Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can elevate the dining experience with some thoughtful serving suggestions:

• Classic Side Salad:
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
  • Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to your salad for extra flavour and texture.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread:
  • Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping into the delicious cheesy sauce.
  • Homemade garlic bread is always a treat, but store-bought options work well for convenience.
• Steamed Green Vegetables:
  • Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and vibrant side to balance the meal.
  • A squeeze of lemon juice over the steamed vegetables enhances their flavour.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms complement the pasta beautifully.
  • Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a different texture.
• Garnishes:
  • Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the pasta adds a pop of colour and freshness.
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavour and presentation.
  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese provides an extra cheesy kick.
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who like a little spice.

Additional Tips for Perfect One Pan Mince Pasta

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough pan or skillet to ensure that the pasta cooks evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the pasta may not cook properly, and the sauce may not thicken correctly. A 12-inch skillet or larger is recommended for this recipe. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than simmering, which affects the sauce consistency.
2. Adjust Liquid as Needed: The amount of liquid required can vary depending on the type of pasta and the pan you use. If the pasta is absorbing the liquid too quickly and the sauce is becoming too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth or water, about ¼ cup at a time. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin at the end, you can remove the lid and simmer for a few minutes longer to reduce it. Observing the sauce consistency during cooking is key.
3. Stir Regularly: While it’s a ‘one-pan’ meal, occasional stirring is important, especially during the pasta cooking phase. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. Gentle stirring is sufficient; avoid over-stirring which can break down the pasta.
4. Cheese Placement Matters: Dividing the cheese and stirring half into the pasta before topping with the rest creates a creamier, cheesier sauce throughout the dish, not just on top. This ensures every bite is cheesy, not just the top layer. The cheese melts into the sauce and then forms a delicious crust on top.
5. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables to this recipe to boost its nutritional value and flavour. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be added along with the tomatoes and broth. Adding vegetables not only makes it healthier but also adds texture and flavour complexity. Consider when to add different vegetables based on their cooking time – harder vegetables may need to be sautéed with the onions, while softer ones can be added later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can definitely use different short pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, macaroni, or shells. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine as they don’t cook as well in this one-pan method. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and brand, so always check for doneness. Whole wheat pasta can also be used, but it may require slightly longer cooking time and a bit more liquid.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the beef mince with a plant-based mince alternative. There are many great vegetarian mince options available in supermarkets. Ensure your broth is also vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All other ingredients remain the same. This adaptation works wonderfully and provides a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting pasta dish.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance to save time. You can sauté the onions, garlic, and brown the mince ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply continue from step 4 of the instructions. The fully cooked pasta is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta?
A: Freezing cooked pasta dishes can sometimes affect the texture of the pasta and sauce. However, this Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta can be frozen, especially if you plan to reheat it in a casserole or baked dish. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly. You may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating as the sauce may thicken during freezing and thawing.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavour of this pasta. Good additions include diced bell peppers (any colour), zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, peas, spinach (add towards the end of cooking), or even sweetcorn. Consider the cooking time of the vegetables you add. Harder vegetables like carrots and bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions, while softer vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms can be added later with the tomatoes. Leafy greens like spinach should be stirred in right at the end of cooking until just wilted.

Ingredients

For your convenience, here is the ingredient list again:

• 500g Beef Mince (Ground Beef)
• 1 Large Onion
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic
• 400g Chopped Tomatoes (Tinned)
• 500ml Beef Broth (Stock)
• 300g Dried Pasta (Short Shape)
• 150g Cheddar Cheese (Grated)
• 100g Mozzarella Cheese (Grated)
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil

Enjoy creating this incredibly easy and delicious Cheesy One Pan Mince Pasta! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a regular in your meal rotation.

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