Go Back
Easy Dinner Recipes the Whole Family Will Actually Love

Easy Dinner Recipes the Whole Family Will Actually Love

This creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta is my go-to for busy weeknights. I've made it many times in my own kitchen, and it turns out perfectly every time. It's ready in 20 minutes with no draining and very little cleanup. Kids love the cheese pull, and parents love the price tag of about $6 for four.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta any shape
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
  • 2 cups shredded cheese

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains.
  2. Add the pasta, marinara sauce, water, and frozen veggies. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender.
  4. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy right away.

Notes

  • Stir often while the pasta simmers so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
  • Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works best because the sauce clings to it.
  • Ground beef should reach 160°F and ground turkey 165°F before you add the pasta.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add a can of drained beans.
  • To hide extra veggies from picky eaters, use finely chopped spinach or carrots.
  • Leftovers keep 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat to 165°F with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.